Job hunting is exhausting!

With never-ending research, resumes to update, and rejections to deal with, it can feel like you’re in a rut. While it can be discouraging to recognize that your current approach is ineffective, exhausting, or both, it’s still a good first step to begin to strategically change your job search trajectory.

Maybe you’ve submitted hundreds of applications without any interview offers. Or you get lots of interviews but always seem to fall short at the finish line. In essence, you’re in a never-ending cycle of rejection with no apparent end in sight.

Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you get out of your job search slump with these tips.

1. Practice self-care

Burnout is a serious concern while job hunting. The stress, energy, and time devoted to finding a job can be overwhelming. Therefore, rest, boundaries, and self-compassion should be part of your daily routine. Take breaks often, do things you enjoy (e.g., read a book, talk to friends, etc.), and remind yourself that you are not alone in your frustration with the job market. Depending on your situation, even taking a month or more off from job hunting may be the right call.

2. Confirm your job-hunting objective

Your job-hunting objective is a statement that specifies your job search goals. Narrowing down your goal will help you be more strategic about which jobs you are applying for, cutting down time spent on job applications that don’t fit your needs.

For example, “In the next 1 to 3 months, I want to find a new job that is within a 45-minute drive from my home, in the customer service sector, with a flexible auxiliary schedule that works with my university courses, that makes at least $22.00 per hour”. Additionally, make a list of your ideal job qualities that are ‘must haves’ and ‘would be nice’ so you can more efficiently apply to the right types of roles.

3. Consider what the problem is

If you’ve been in a rut, reflect on why that might be. Are you not landing interviews? Then maybe your resume and cover letter need work (check out our job seeker handbook), or, maybe you’re missing key experiences and qualifications (check out this list of nonprofit schools). Are you getting interviews but no offers? Then maybe your interview skills need work (check out our ultimate interview guide). In this case, you could even politely ask the hiring manager for feedback about your interview if rejected. Many will gladly connect to review your interview with you.

4. Get outside perspectives

Getting a second opinion on your job-hunting journey can be very enlightening. For example, have some trusted friends or professional connections read your resume and cover letter. See how they perceive it and make edits accordingly (check out this article on refreshing your resume). If you’re in high school or post-secondary, see if your school has career counsellors. Also, check if your local area has any accessible organizations that offer career services (e.g., resume advice, interview prep, etc.).

5. Stay organized

Whether this is in a notebook, an Excel document, and/or your computer, track every role you apply for. Note the following:

  • Job title
  • Organization name
  • Job description
  • Salary
  • Required hours
  • Start date
  • Application deadline
  • Requirements
  • Date applied
  • Materials submitted (e.g., resume, cover letter)
  • Hiring manager’s contact information
  • Status of application (e.g., offered interview or not)
  • Other miscellaneous notes

While tedious, this will help you manage your applications. As well, when you are offered an interview, you can easily refer to your notes to ensure you are fully aware of the role and organization.

6. Focus on quality over quantity

While it can be tempting to apply to as many roles as possible, often you will find more success with targeted and intentional applications. This means creating a ‘base’ resume and adjusting it to meet the needs of each application and writing more impactful cover letters. As well, this involves only applying to organizations and roles you truly feel passionate about – that’s where Tip #2 about confirming your job-hunting objective comes into play!

7. Conduct informational interviews

This step is especially important for people who are looking for jobs in a new role or field. Before you continue to put in lots of time and effort into applying, be sure that this career direction is right for you by meeting with someone already in that given role or industry. As a bonus, many professionals can also give insight into the hiring process. Check out how to conduct informational interviews.

What now?

Unfortunately, there is no band-aid solution to make job hunting less of a pain. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give up! Instead, be intentional, practice self-care, and focus on keeping clear and manageable job-hunting goals. Only then can you get out of your slump!