INTRODUCTION
To be very frank with you, searching for the right job has never been easy, the reason why it takes some years to land a good job. Searching for a job now in 2020 has become much more difficult as a result of the global pandemic that is taking so long to completely go away.
People, unfortunately, have lost their livelihood, companies are folding in, and great empires have seen a massive decline of profit all as a result of the economic hardship brought about by COVID-19. This is a tough time for some to look for a good job, but one has to keep living anyway.
Searching for a new job is no easy task. In fact, searching for a job is a job on its own.
We know that looking for a new job can be stressful, and it can be easy to lose faith sometimes. However, positivity is the key to making the most out of applications, interviews, and new roles. We are aware that it’s a draining process, and remaining positive is not as easy as it sounds – but where there’s a will, there’s away!
Reflect on Your Achievements
It is easy to give in to depression and anxiety in this period since many eyes are on you and how far you will go in life. You must constantly remind yourself of your many achievements in the past. This is important because it gives you that good feeling about yourself and the fighter in you. When you focus on these achievements from the past you don’t tend to think lowly of yourself but see the strengths you possess as you remind yourself; THIS TOO SHALL PASS. If you start to feel a bit down while trawling through applications, make a lovely list of all your incredible achievements (no matter how big or small they may seem). Re-read these whenever possible, to remind yourself how capable and talented you are.
Routine is Key
As I mentioned earlier, applying for a job is like a job in itself! If you are searching for a role at the moment, be sure to layout your days with as much routine as possible. This will keep you focused, and in a great mind frame when it comes to applying. Get up early, have your breakfast, and get to work. Identify the part of your day to work on researching available roles on various job portals. Then, identify a specific time to work on applications, CVs, and cover letters. And be sure to include downtime! DON’T be sitting awake at 1 am applying for jobs, this is not good for your mental health, and may have a negative effect on your application. Try to down tools at 6 pm, after a solid day of work!
Make Realistic Goals
It can be easy to go ‘overboard’ somehow when applying for jobs – in two different directions. I have found that some people are fond of doing this; in one minute, applying for CEO roles and the next minute they are applying for an entry-level position (neither being relevant to their actual experience). Talk about a confusing headspace! When you are searching for a job, be sure to manage your own expectations, and make yourself aware of your realistic goals. This could mean identifying a management level for yourself, or a salary expectation. You don’t want to set the bar too high or too low for yourself. Once you know what you realistically deserve from a job, it will make the process of looking and applying far easier.
Regularly Practice for Interviews
They say the phrase “practice makes perfect” for a reason. A lot of the anxiety and stress that comes with searching for a job is a lack of confidence and that’s perfectly normal. However, the best way to increase your positivity is to boost that confidence. The best way to do that? Practice, practice, and practice more. If you can, practice on your cover letter and personal statement writing skills before sending off an official one. Also, if (and when) you get called for an interview, try practicing with someone you know beforehand. Set it up to be as formal as possible, and get the person in your life to ask some relevant questions about the role, mimicking what the actual interview may be like. You’ll be a pro in no time, and you’ll feel way more positive!
Make Sure to take a break
A now popular saying from an Afrobeat song in Africa, sung by Timaya now is I CAN KILL MYSELF. Yes! It works here as well. Always remember, you can’t kill yourself before your actual time. This might just be the most important thing for anyone who is looking for a new job! It can be overwhelming, it is exhausting, and sometimes you probably want to take your laptop and throw it out the window. However, if you do find yourself getting stressed out, take a break, and do something that brings you joy. Go for a run, watch a movie you love, or cook your favorite meal. Anything that will bring a little bit of positive energy into your life during this time.
Conclusion:
You must always do what you have to do to land that dream job. Research, practice, work on your CV and be in a relaxed state. You don’t have to ‘Kill’ yourself because you don’t have a job. NO! Once you start feeling depressed, you are completely going off your lane and may not even find any. Go over your previous achievements and see the hard-working, personality in you. This will keep you going.
