By Sherri Sacks

You apply to hundreds of jobs online, send thank you emails after interviews, update your LinkedIn profile, attend virtual coffee meetings and career fairs, and network with recruiters … just to name a few efforts. After a while it is hard to keep up your energy level and optimism because you are not getting the result you want and need. It is easy to make excuses, procrastinate, and give up. The hard part is having the mental discipline to be consistent.

Often individuals are so focused on the immediate outcome, in this case getting a job, they are not spending enough time consistently putting systems in place to obtain their longer-term career goals. Many of us quit or surrender the job search at the first roadblock or after receiving multiple rejection letters. Success with consistency takes time, lots of practice, and perseverance, which eventually lead to productive habits.

So, how do we become more consistent and more consistently successful?

Check your attitude

• Don’t allow negative self-talk to win. A positive attitude and belief in yourself will help you continue to push forward and succeed in your job search; focus on what you can control as opposed to what you cannot control.
• Find an accountability partner. This family member/friend/former colleague/mentor will help you stay on track with frequent check-ins and help you reduce your stress by finding new ways to refocus built up energy.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember a perfect job search doesn’t exist, setbacks are to be expected, and if you discipline yourself to do the hard things you don’t always want to do, you’re on the right track.

Stick to a Schedule

• Establish a daily/weekly routine. Think about when you want to get started each morning, identify when during the day or week you will search and learn vs. apply, and work at a pace that is comfortable for you.
• Carve out time for networking. People make things happen for other people, so don’t forget to connect with humans as much as you connect with your computer or other search tool.
• Give yourself time off. We all need a break from the grind; indulge in some self-care when you can.

Set Goals

• Create small, manageable goals. Each element of effort – crafting a cover letter, redesigning a resume, reaching out to a friend-of-a-friend – is a leap in the right direction and that step-by-step progress will lead to better habits which will lead to big results.
• Challenge yourself. Goals should be reasonable, but also stretch you to dream. Say to yourself – “I want. I can. I will.”
• Celebrate your accomplishments. Be proud of yourself for landing an interview, reward yourself for sending a certain number of applications each week.

Searching for a job is not fun or easy. It can be tedious and challenging, and at times, discouraging. Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. Just remember this will not be forever. But, if you want to achieve your goal of securing a suitable position, you need to make a commitment to yourself and try not to veer off track. Choose self- motivation over procrastination. When prioritizing daily and weekly activities, put your job search at the top of your list. You can even start today by scheduling a free consultation appointment with an Ignite Career Center coach by calling 410-466-9200.

Sherri Sacks is a Career Strategist and Certified Resume Writer.

Whether you are new to the job market or a seasoned professional, the Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go further and get there faster.  Our highly experienced Career Coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition.

For information, call 410-466-9200 or visit ignitecareercenter.com.