You've decided it's time to move on. You've started looking to see what's out there. You've met some recruiters and been to some interviews but it hasn't quite happened yet. It's very easy to feel like giving up - but don't. If you don't stay in the game you definitely can't win can you? We've all been there and know how frustrating it can be, so we've pulled together some useful advice that we hope will help you stay motivated.
Be realistic
While you may have a perfect job and dream salary in mind, it pays to be realistic with your search and salary expectations. Few people will land a new job within a week so give yourself a realistic action plan with goals and achievements to hit and keep you motivated. Be prepared to adjust it if necessary and bear in mind that it could take months to find your new role, so try not to be too hard on yourself.
Every little step is progress
If you're going to land a new job, you'll need to devote some time to it. This doesn't necessarily mean sitting in front of a computer screen looking through vacancy ads for eight hours a day and feeling depressed; make sure you complete at least one positive action each day, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going. Even something simple like making a phone call and checking in with your recruiter or reconnecting with your network will get you one step closer to success. If you are seeking a new opportunity, remember - it is those who have the most drive, who are likely to find it first.
Be prepared
Always be on the lookout for new opportunities and be primed for an interview at any time – not just with a top-notch CV and "elevator pitch" but with a set of smart clothes and shoes ready to go at a moment's notice.
Stay positive
It sounds obvious but it's very easy to let negative thoughts get you down when you're struggling for work. Everyone feels frustrated at times when looking for a job and it's unlikely you will be successful at the first attempt. Use every knock-back as something to learn from and every unsuccessful interview as practise for the next one. Stay positive by thinking about the things you do well and the skills you do have rather than focusing on the ones you don't.
Balance out the boredom
Spending all day, every day, searching for a new career isn't the most exciting thing in the world so ensure you still enjoy your life. If you've had a particularly productive day, reward yourself. Taking some time out will help keep you motivated and hopefully reduce some of the stress too.
Build a good relationship with your recruitment consultant
They know what they are talking about and can offer useful insights. Listen to any advice they have to offer, allowing you to focus on your strengths. You should also ask for advice on how to improve your CV or best prepare for an interview.
Use feedback to better yourself
Never be afraid to ask for feedback from interviews. Finding out where you went wrong or how you could have performed better will help improve your chances of getting it right next time. Use the positive feedback to keep yourself motivated and don't get demoralised by any constructive criticisms. You need this to help hone your style for future interviews.
The consultants at DNA are particularly good at helping you with all these points. We're always happy to hear from our candidates and will do our best to keep the dialogue going and ensure that we are getting you the interviews you want and are equipping you with the knowledge and skills to be successful.
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