6 tips
for self-motivation

1. Think of your initial motivation

Remember the reasons why you originally decided to look for a new job. After weeks of unsuccessful job hunting we can easily lose sight of our primary motivation and feel like it’s easier to stay in the same job. Perhaps you want new challenges, more flexible work hours, to break into a new industry or simply find a role in a company where there’s room to move up and gain more responsibility. Perhaps you’d like a higher salary or more benefits, or an opportunity to learn new skills.

Whatever your motivation for leaving your existing job, don’t lose sight of it. Every time you feel frustrated with the job search, keep your motivation in mind and remind yourself that the right job will arrive eventually, providing that you continue to work hard enough to get it. It’s also helpful to write down your career goals, and maybe even a career bucket list, which you can return back to during tough times to ensure you stay focused on the right path.

2. Cope with rejection positively

It’s awful being rejected for a job you desperately wanted, particularly when you felt as though the interview went well. It’s natural to feel disheartened, but make sure that you don’t take rejection personally and instead use it as a way to improve. Seek feedback from the company as to why you weren’t right from the job, and listen to and take on board what they have to say.

3. Take a break

With hours being spent searching for positions, completing applications and preparing for interviews, the job hunt can seem like a job in itself. Take a week off and focus on other things in your life, or even take the time to upskill yourself in an area that will boost your CV. After a short break, you’ll have renewed energy and motivation for the job search.

4. Seek input from your private network

Chatting to family, friends and mentors about your job search can give you an outlet for your frustrations and help you see things from a different perspective. Didn’t get a response from that job you applied for? Perhaps a chat with your best friend will help you realise it wasn’t quite right for you anyway. Cringing over an interview that didn’t go as well as you’d hoped? Maybe your career mentor will give you some valuable tips.

5. Use the internet to get inspiration

We all need some inspiration from time to time. Just look around online, when you lack motivation or new ideas.

6. Remember your achievements

Look back on what you’ve achieved in your life so far and remember how capable you are. In particular, remind yourself of how far in your career you’ve come, the skills you’ve picked up along the way and the amount of knowledge you have. Doing this will help you to stay positive and realise what a great asset you will be to the right company – all you have to do is find them.