Stay Positive During Your Job Search

I hope the following tips from the accompanying extract will help to motivate fellow Nairalanders.Enjoy!
Job hunting can be tough on the good old self-esteem. Regardless of the type of job you’ve applied for, receiving a rejection letter or email can send you on a downward spiral to depression-ville. If your expectations are more realistic, you know that you will probably receive a number of rejection letters before you get an offer of employment.

The following tips will help you keep your spirits up during your work search, no matter how long it takes.

Be realistic:  Job hunting rarely provides instant gratification. Searches can take many months, and you may have to apply for several jobs before you receive an offer. Remind yourself that your job search is a temporary necessity. If you’re rejected for that dream job, you can rest assured that another exciting opportunity will come your way. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
Get feedback:  If you don’t get the job, ask why not. Contact the interviewer or employer and tactfully ask for feedback on your application and interview. If something put you out of the running, you can correct it before you apply for other work opportunities.
Temporary fix: Stay busy during your search by taking on contract or a part-time work to alleviate your financial situation or to gain experience. This will keep you busy, motivated and best of all provide recent accomplishments to your resumé. Better still, temporary work might lead to a full-time position if employers are happy with your work and attitude.
Keep your chin up: Hiring managers may be pressed for time and might not always be pleasant. Don’t take it personally! Just as you can be driven to the edge of the emotional cliff by a job search, so too can the recruiter who is on the opposite side of hiring spectrum. Remember that “success is the sweetest revenge.”
Talk it out: Form an informal support group with other job hunters, even if you communicate with one another only by e-mail. Share your rumblings with members of your inner circle and look for honest advice and tips from them. Your support group can help you strategize, provide feedback on your applications, help you prepare for interviews, and provide encouragement after setbacks.
Don’t be consumed: Delve into your regular professional activities and hobbies, such as playing co-ed sports, gardening, cooking or volunteering for local community groups. The emotional lift and positive feedback you receive through such activities will help you maintain your equilibrium through whatever may come your way during the job search.
Life-long learning: Research trends and subjects related to your work or areas of interest and keep your skills up-to-date. Take short courses or special training sessions that will benefit you in your career. There are a number of low cost continuing education courses available in your community or online.
Be a volunteer: Stay sharp by using your skills. Volunteering is a good way to gain needed experience and/or contacts in your field.
Reward yourself: During your search, continually give yourself things to look forward to and celebrate, such as the completion of a lengthy application form or the crafting of a stellar cover letter. For example, give yourself some guilt-free time to do something you really enjoy.
Shape up: Maintain your exercise schedule. If you don’t regularly exercise, start doing so. Exercise will keep you in game shape, while also reducing some of the stress during this taxing period.
Every job seeker faces burnout at some point during the process. But the more you manage your stress level, the easier it will be to stay focused and keep a positive attitude.