How to Stay Motivated as a Jobseeker under COVID 19
As a jobseeker, you’ll find that searching for work opportunities is a full-time effort – one that can take its toll on you.
After all, you’ve devoted endless hours customising your resume, applying to dozens of jobs and filling out lengthy application forms. Add the current global COVID 19 pandemic to the equation and you find yourself trying not to drown in these troubled waters.
You are trying to stay positive and keep refreshing your email in the hopes of receiving one favourable response that could lead to an interview. But there is nothing but silence at the other end. After all, finding a job under a lockdown is no easy feat!
It is completely understandable if your motivation is ebbing away. However, this is your story and you’re going to decide how your chapter flows. You will not just stay afloat but you’ll rise above and conquer these uncharted waters.
The secret is to stay motivated as a jobseeker under COVID 19 and here’s how:
Just breathe
Remember that you’re not alone in this journey and the world is on your side. According to figures published by the International Labour Organisation, approximately 33 million individuals lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19 related layoffs.
The reason you don’t have a response or a job yet is not a reflection of your caliber or competence – rather you’re all the victims of circumstances. Remember that you’re worthy and something amazing is going to come your way!
So, don’t beat yourself up. Be proud of surviving up to this moment and just breathe.
Make a routine
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next adventure or are in between gigs, it’s imperative that you implement and follow a daily routine.
Don’t let the sun set and you’re still in your pyjamas! Get out of bed, take a shower and get ready for the day ahead. If you’re up for it, get in a small workout – it’ll feel great!
Write down your goals and tasks for the day. Have a warm cup of coffee and sit down at your desk for a couple of hours to check out jobs of your interest. Set up your profile, craft professional messages to employers and apply to jobs. Don’t forget to follow up on the status of your pending applications. Try to track down the assigned hiring manager and have a conversation with them directly.
Once you feel you’ve dedicated a few productive hours to your job search, it’s time for some self-care! Have a virtual or an actual coffee with a friend (depending on the lockdown rules of the country you’re residing in!), read your favourite book or just go with Netflix and chill.
Learn a new skill
What better time than now to upscale your skill set? Once those interview calls come pouring in, you’ll be equipped to impress your potential employer with your increased knowledge set.
There are plenty of free courses available that you can dip into and range from business, marketing, finance, design and much, much more. Just make sure that the source you go for is accredited and recognised by your country
If not interested in professional courses, there are plenty of skills you can work on from a personal front. Watch Youtube videos on how to play a guitar, build a table or such.
You got this!
If you’re not able to land your dream job just yet, don’t lose hope. Perhaps consider part-time or volunteer work until the right job comes along. If this appeals to you, take a look at the highest paying jobs under COVID-19. Apply, apply and apply some more!
The key to remaining motivated as a jobseeker, especially under COVID-19, is to be the very epitome of positive patience. Practice meditation if you feel it’ll help your mindset. You can count on the team at JOB TODAY to support you during your job search and trust that these unprecedented times will be over soon. After all, the vaccine is here and roll-out has begun across the globe!
Until then, stay motivated, catch up on your rest, sleep well and go out for walks and enjoy the wintery fresh air. Remember that you can still apply to jobs on the go via the JOB TODAY app! Happy hunting!
