Breaking The Freeze: How To Renew
Your Job Search Enthusiasm

Contributed by Jennifer Goldman

Whether you lost your job or chose to quit, searching for a new position can be a stressful and frustrating process. Of course it doesn’t have to be: with the right attitude, you can view your job hunt as a means to a satisfying end. Unfortunately, many people grow impatient and give into their frustration partway through the process, retreating into a state of indifference and losing all momentum in their search. Then as time passes, financial pressures grow, paralyzing the job hunter with fear that they may not make ends meet.

Being out of work is enough to make any one feel a bit less than brimming over with confidence. Misguided feelings of inadequacy make it hard for the job searcher to risk rejection at the hands of a potential employer. Fear of rejection can unfortunately cause the job seeker to avoid the search process altogether. It’s an irrational move that merely perpetuates the problem.

Some job searchers may feel they are satisfying their responsibility by tweaking their resumes over and over again, while convincing themselves they’re not amply prepared to launch their job search. A certain degree of preparation is advisable, but beyond that the job seeker is merely stalling. With extra time on her hands, the job searcher may also be wasting her time and energy dwelling on the things that may stand in her way if she goes for the position she wants. Or, she may not even know what kind of job she wants, and is therefore stuck in a state of indecision and idleness.

Other job searchers go the opposite route and imagine themselves entitled to the job of their dreams. Their impatience gets the better of them, because they’ve imagined, unrealistically, that the job searching process would be a snap. These people can easily grow bitter and begin to resent prospective employers. The fact is an employer owes you nothing. He is looking out for the company’s needs. Unless you can provide a clear picture of how you can help fulfill those needs through hard work and the application of relevant skills, there is no reason for the employer to hire you. And, sometimes, despite all that you have to offer, the company hires someone else. There are a number of reasons why this can happen, very few of which have anything to do with you. So, feelings of bitterness or failure in the face of such “rejection” are pretty much unjustified. Yet many job seekers let these emotions consume them to the point that they panic and freeze their search.

Now that you know what causes job searching indifference, you may be wondering, How on earth do I get unstuck? The answer is obvious although it may not be a cinch to execute. You need to readjust your outlook on the job search endeavor. Start by redefining the objective of your search. Of course you know your goal is to get a job, but what kind of job? Are you looking to continue the kind of work that you’ve been doing thus far, or are you considering branching off in a new direction. What types of jobs, for what types of companies appeal to you most? Do you have the required qualifications for those positions? You want to go for the jobs that you’re most enthusiastic about because your zeal will inspire you to act, and will give your job search new momentum. But you will also need to be realistic. Consider that one less than ideal position can be a stepping-stone to a more desirable career move, if the position offers growth potential or will give you the experience you need to later pursue the job of your dreams.

In addition to identifying your goal, you’ll also need to think about what skills you have to offer an employer. Write down everything your good at—not just in a work setting but also in your personal life. This may sound strange, but if you think about it, a lot of the talents you exercise in your home life could also prove useful on the job. Look for skills that carry over well into an on-the-job situation. For instance, if you have a knack for helping your friends with their troubles, you’re a natural problem solver. All employers can benefit from the presence of a person who is able to offer innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Drawing up a list of your talents will remind you of your value as an employee. This will increase your confidence and prepare you to highlight your “selling points” at your next interview.

Readjusting your attitude towards your job search also entails readjusting your search methods. You will need to increase the amount of time and energy you spend taking direct action. Be persistent and patient. By searching Help Wanted ads diligently and following through by sending out resumes in high numbers, you will significantly increase your odds of finding a suitable job in a shorter period of time. Don’t hesitate to send your resume cold (without seeing a job listing) to companies that peak your interest. And when you’re feeling stuck, never be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in getting the word out about your job search amongst family members and friends. If anything, they’ll admire your ambition, and your commitment to taking action. So put those problem solving skills to work, and don’t forget to exercise patience. It’s up to you to set the process in motion. The desired result will come in time.

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