Table of Contents

1. Try setting (small) tangible goals
2. Get a job search buddy
3. Improve your skills (or at least stay current)
4. Blow off a little steam
5. Harness the power of rejection

For those seeking employment, the coming weeks and months will bring unprecedented challenges. The uncertain outlook will require patience, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to stay motivated and keep trying.

As the days stretch into weeks—or even months—you may find yourself tempted to settle or give up entirely. Please don’t. Instead, consider these methods for maintaining your job search motivation.

1. Try setting (small) tangible goals

Many of us enjoy checking tasks off our to-do lists, and top and center on yours is “get a new job.” But what about the smaller steps you need to take before you can cross it off? Setting tangible goals for each week—like “research ten potential employers,” “submit three customized resumes,” and “add one new professional to an online network”—will help you maintain momentum as well as recognize your progress. Concrete proof that you’re taking necessary actions makes it easier to stay motivated.

2. Get a job search buddy

Do you hate running alone? I know I sure do. And having someone else to pound the pavement with often keeps me going longer and stronger than I otherwise would. A job search buddy can do the same for you. Whether you choose a friend or family member who is also looking for a new position or just someone who is supportive of your career goals, it’s motivating to have someone who can keep you accountable while sharing in your journey.

3. Improve your skills (or at least stay current)

This is especially important if you’re searching for a job while unemployed. Use any free time you have to enhance your skills, like learning a new language or acquiring a new certification. Online courses can help you learn new skills and improve old ones—both very motivating results. Staying up-to-date on the latest news in the hospitality industry can also be helpful; you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to impress a potential employer with your knowledge.

4. Blow off a little steam

You’ve heard it a million times: “Treat your job search like a job.” While that can be good advice, it can also be a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re looking for your next position while still employed or juggling family and financial stresses along with your job search. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, it’s tough to stay motivated. It’s also tough to convey your enthusiasm to potential employers when you’re exhausted. Make time to blow off a little steam each day, whether through exercise, a relaxing hobby, or self-care activities.

5. Harness the power of rejection

Whether you’re applying for an entry-level or upper-management hospitality job—or a position somewhere in between—you’re going to be competing against numerous other professionals. Some may be more qualified than you—and some will be less so. You won’t hear back every time you submit a resume; nor will you get a job offer after every interview.

Sure, this can be discouraging—but it can also be very motivating. Take every rejection as an opportunity to learn what you can do better next time—whether that means drafting a new resume, making your cover letter more captivating, enhancing your skill set, practicing interview question responses, or other adjustments to improve your desirability as a candidate.