Motivate Yourself for the Job Search

I just wrote a column on motivation for my writers' group newsletter and thought about how people searching for employment must keep themselves motivated throughout the job search. In this economy with its shortage of jobs, it's sometimes hard to get motivated or keep motivated in the face of rejections.

Here are a few motivational tips to help:

• Determine specifically what you want. What type of job? In what industry? In what location? Doing what tasks? Set a goal rather than say, "I'll take anything."


• Visualize being in that job. See yourself going to work, sitting at your workspace, doing your tasks.


• Get yourself ready for employment. Update your skills if necessary. Everyone must know how to use a computer these days. If you do not, take an inexpensive or free class at a reputable school or agency.


• Prepare a modern resume. Get help if necessary.


• Practice interviewing with a friend, all the while visualizing that you are interviewing with the company of your dreams.


• Get up everyday and do something to move yourself closer to getting a job. Inertia causes boredom and depression.


• Find a mentor to help in your job search.


• If you still have a hard time motivating yourself, find a cheerleader who will cheer you on and keep you motivated.

Take action every day even if it is a small step. It is by taking those daily steps that you can reach your goal of getting a job.