How to stay motivated during your job search

Check job notifications, trawl through job sites, adjust CV, write cover letters, fill out applications…and do it all over again the next day. The relentless cycle of job searching can be demotivating, exhausting and stressful – which all combine to create the perfect recipe for job search burnout.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Searching for a new job means change for the better, a new opportunity, and a chance to find work that you love. While burnout is a real issue, it is possible to overcome and even avoid altogether, making your job search a successful one.

By recognising the signs of burnout early on and following some practical tips, you can get back on track and find the perfect role for you. Here, we outline what job search burnout is and the best ways to beat it.

What exactly is job search burnout?

‘Burnout’ is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion brought on by work-related stressors. It is most commonly used when talking about employees, but burnout is all too common for job seekers, too. Being unemployed while job searching can feel like a run against the clock, with desperation mounting and motivation waning with every day. And being in a job you dislike, or a toxic work environment likely means you’re already dealing with employee burnout, with even more stress piled on.

The signs of job search burnout mirror employee burnout – these include lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks, poor mental and physical health, feeling irritated or frustrated, and withdrawing from social interaction.

Are you hitting that snooze button more often than usual? Does the thought of slightly tweaking your CV seem too much to cope with? Are you sleeping less or skipping exercise? Do you find yourself losing patience quickly? Or are you avoiding spending time with loved ones? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, it’s time take a breath and start rethinking your job search strategy.

Are you hitting that snooze button more often than usual? It might be time take a breath and start rethinking your job search strategy.

Tips on beating job search burnout

Once you know that you’re suffering from job search burnout, the good news is that you can take steps to overcome it. Here are some tips to deal with burnout, regain your confidence, and boost your motivation

• Create a daily routine: Maintaining a routine is the foundation for any successful job search. Everyone is different, so take some time to figure out what works for you – but the best way to start is by simply waking up at the same time each day, just as you would for work.

Next, schedule time for job searching tasks and stick to it as closely as possible. This allocated time should also include regular breaks. This way, you’ll stay focused and productive, and avoid feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by the process.

• Foster positivity: It’s understandable that negativity will creep in at some point, but when this happens take stock of what you’ve achieved so far in your working life. Make a list of your skills and qualities. Read your references from former employers and colleagues. Write down the work you’ve been recognised for and are proud of. Remember, just because you’re not happy with your situation right now, it doesn’t mean all your great work suddenly doesn’t matter.

Celebrate each small victory and don’t dwell on setbacks. If you don’t get a job, ask the hiring manager for feedback so something negative becomes a learning experience for your next interview. Having that forward-thinking mindset will help foster positivity. 

• Set realistic goals: Having goals to work toward is essential to stay motivated, but if they’re unrealistic you set yourself up for failure which will knock your confidence –a sure-fire way to get burnout.

Give yourself specific daily and weekly goals and stick to them. For example, one goal could be creating a template cover letter and CV that you can adjust for each application, another could be editing your LinkedIn profile, and another could be applying to three jobs that interest you. A measured approach like this makes it more likely that you’ll land a role that’s right for you, without getting demotivated in the process.

• Focus on quality over quantity:It can be tempting to send out CVs for every job alert that pops up in your email box. Clicking that “Easy Apply” button on LinkedIn for multiple jobs can feel like you’re making swift progress. But it’s important to keep in mind exactly what role you’re looking for, rather than applying for as many as possible.

It’s unlikely that every job alert you receive will be the perfect fit. To avoid wasting time interviewing for a job you won’t enjoy or the disappointment in getting rejected for an unsuitable role, take the time to read each post thoroughly to make sure it checks the important boxes. The same goes for those “Easy Apply” jobs – they may feel like a great way to move your search forward, but you run the risk of losing focus and feeling demotivated when you don’t hear back.

There will be days when there are no suitable roles to apply for and that’s okay. Use that time to focus on other job search tasks, so when you do find something that fits, you’ll be fully prepared.

• Enhance your skillset:Have you found the perfect role, but are missing some key skills? While you don’t have to check every box in the job description, putting the effort in to gain new skills can help you get the job you really want.

With so many online options, you can be flexible and add upskilling to your daily routine. You can also improve the skills you already have or refresh some you haven’t used in a while. Taking this initiative shows that you have drive and focus, making you a desirable candidate to potential employers.

With every new skill you acquire, you can not only add it to your CV, but your LinkedIn profile, too. This can boost your job search by matching you with more suitable jobs and also makes it easier for recruiters to find you.

• Find your community:If there’s ever a time where networking is necessary, it’s now. But networking doesn’t have to be the traditional in-person interaction. Find the way that works for you – this can be reaching out on LinkedIn to companies you’re interested in, getting back in touch with old contacts, or talking with fellow job seekers.

It’s all about connecting with others and sharing ideas. Plus, it’s a good way to break the monotony of job searching. And, just like upskilling, this proactive attitude is just what hiring managers are looking for.

• Get involved with volunteering:Feeling stuck in a rut is normal when job searching, but you can shift your perspective by volunteering. Whether it’s for something you’re passionate about, or for an organisation that’s relevant to your career, doing good for others will make you feel good. All of us are driven by both internal and external motivation. By volunteering, you achieve both, as you’re doing something that makes you feel proud (inner motivation) and can add another positive achievement to your CV (external motivation). 

All of these tips will help you see the signs of job search burnout and enable you to beat it. But they’re also useful for anyone looking for a new job, even when burnout isn’t an issue. By following these tips you can avoid those stressors that lead to job search burnout ahead of time. You’ll stay focused on exactly what role you want, have control over the process, and set yourself on the path to success.

Your CV is the first thing many recruiters or potential employers will see. Is yours presenting you as well as it could? Read our top 10 CV tips to make sure there aren’t crucial elements a recruiter looks for that your CV is missing.