How to Stay Engaged in Your Job Search

How to Stay Engaged in Your Job SearchHow to Stay Engaged in Your Job SearchLanding a new position requires consistent effort. Andwhile enthusiasm may be plentiful at first, momentum can stagnate as the process goes on. It can be tough to stay engaged.Dont give up Job satisfaction is worth the wait.To boost engagement during tough times, try these five tips to stay engaged1. Network.Job hunters oftentimes spend a great deal of time alone at a computer. Though job boards and social media should be part of an overall strategy, realize that many positions never make it there.Go old school by spending more time meeting people face to face. Socializing reduces boredom, connects you to a world beyond your home office, and yields some of the best results.(Case in point check out this Chicago Tribune article about a man who went out to walk his dog and came back with an unexpected job opportunity.)2. Adjust your mindset.Feeling like youre at the mercy of the job market can kill your spirit. So instead of lamenting all the factors out of your hands, try focusing on what is under your control. As this Inc. article suggests, a good way to start is by asking yourself active questions rather than passive ones. Wording such as Did I do my best to create meaning in my day? instead of How meaningful welches my day? gives you responsibility and power.3. Set goals.Keep in mind that outcome is what matters, not how many hours devoted to job searching. Develop precise, attainable goals you want to accomplish each day. Give your all to those activities, and then move on. The thought of tackling those three targeted cover letters may not seem so horrid when you give yourself permission to spend an hour scrapbooking when theyre done.4. Volunteer.Confidence often takes a beating during a long job hunt. Volunteering can restore the feeling that youre capable of making a difference. In addition to the natural high that comes from helping others, your charitable actions may bring career benefits as you meet new people and learn additional skills. Plus, including your volunteer endeavors on your resume may give you an edge with employers.5. Try something different.Finally, dont be afraid to shake up your approach. Try that job seekers support group at the library. Contact the career office at your alma mater. Join a new social media forum. Learn how to create your own web page or video resume. Figure out your personal brand. New experiences encourage creativity and engagement- and just may be your ticket to a dream job.Interested in learning more about finding a job? Check out our job search tips category.