What do you do if you get into a slump during a long job search? It’s a common problem, but there are ways to keep moving ahead.
Refocus
It’s easy to lose sight of your goal if you stray from your plan. If you stop meeting new contacts, your focus shifts away from the search. Review your job-search plan to be sure you’re following the steps.
Network smarter
This can happen when you contact your entire networking list and visit with them rather than asking for information. If you’re not adding information to your list, it’s time for a change. Ask who you could talk to for more information on a specific topic. This broadens the conversation.
Banish negativity
Negative thoughts can grow into barriers, because when we tell ourselves something often enough, we start to believe it, whether it’s true or not. So, don’t tell yourself you’re too old or unemployable. Negativity eats away at your confidence, so if you’re struggling with negative thoughts, surround yourself with positive people.
Go out and play
Trying too hard can get in the way of results. You need a life-work balance. Schedule relaxation into your plan. Go for a bike ride or see an upbeat movie.
Avoid magical thinking
Magical thinking goes like this: If I wish hard enough — even if I don’t take the initiative in my job search — something will happen. Are you wishing for something to come along without doing the work to make it happen? Are you choosing to focus on the least-risky part of your job search? If so, it’s time for a change.
