I’m so happy to share this message with you today. 

It’s a throwback that I think is so relevant right now. Because, real talk…job hunting is hard in the best of times. 

We’ve all been there. 

And especially now when it feels like everything is standing still. 

It’s true, some companies have slowed down their hiring and put promotions on hold but others are booming and business is better than ever. 

Either way, I want to encourage you to take this time to re-energize your search & fully recommit to your dream of leading a team & creating big results together.

Because I remember being deep in job search mode a few years ago and it seemed like nothing was going my way. 

But I kept at it and then I finally got the call. 

They wanted me to come in for the final panel interview on Thursday at 3. Yes!! Yes!! Yes!!

It was the promotion that had been on my vision board for two years. I was so ready for a new challenge and to set the strategy for my new team. 

Every networking chat & LinkedIn stalker moment has been prep for this exact opportunity to come my way. 

THIS is where I was meant to be.

And of course, I crushed the interview. I was confident. I knew how to articulate my value with clarity. There was instant rapport with my future team. And the hiring manager was the mentor I’d always wished I had.

And then…crickets. 

A couple of days went by and no feedback. I thought ok, they did say they wanted to regroup but I didn’t think it would take this long. A few more days go by. No email. No call. No feedback. Just crickets.

What the heck happened??

Right away, my mind went into a tailspin. Was it me? What did I do wrong? Could I have said that better? Why wouldn’t they at least let me know? Will I be stuck here forever?

I lost steam and was ready to completely throw in the towel on this whole getting-a-promotion-thing. Frustration & disappointment kicked in big time. 

I had to pull myself out of it and refocus. 

Ever felt like that?

Moving through a job search takes energy, commitment, and a strong dose of persistence.

When you don’t think you have any more to give to a job search that feels like it’s going nowhere, there are a few tried and true strategies you can use to regroup, get your energy up, and keep going.

1. Give yourself credit

You know how to search for your next career move. You know what steps to take. You know the value you add. And you know that this isn’t the end of the road. Remember that.

2. Get a mentor

Connect with someone who is already where you want to be. Maybe more than one person will do the trick. 

Learn how they make an impact in their role each day. Let them support you and be a source of motivation to have the prize you’re going after in clear view.

3. Keep talking

Resist the urge to retreat from the world and go into hiding. Stay visible and keep sharing what you want to do next with the right people.

4. Make it a daily habit

Spend some time on your job search every day. It’s the kind of thing where output equals input, so the more effort you put in, the more momentum you build, and the more seeds you sow.

5. Schedule it

Take the idea of working on your job search every day to the next level and actually block the time in your calendar. 

Scheduling it in, just like any other meeting, will create a habit that launches you closer to your promotion.

6. Break it down

Take the big goal of landing the job and break it down into smaller, bite-sized milestones that are within reach. 

Hitting those mini-milestones will make you feel like you’re making progress and keep you focused on where you’re going next.

7. Get inspired

Listen to, read, or watch something inspirational. Sometimes the real missing link in your job search is getting out of the constant doing, leaning back, and supercharging your high vibe energy. 

Get reminded that you have exactly what it takes to get to where you want to go. (TIP: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero is one of my faves!)

8. Reconnect

Do you have a vision for the type of leader you want to be? How about the impact your team will make on the business? And how you’ll feel when you’re challenged and energized by your work every single day? 

Reconnect to what you want and why you want it. Let that be the magic that pulls you forward.

9. Take a break

Step away from the daily doing that comes with a job search. Focus on other things that make you happy and bring you joy. Bake cupcakes. Light a vanilla scented candle. Make it a Netflix & popcorn afternoon. 

Whatever your thing is, do it and carry that feeling with you every step of the way.

10. Acknowledge your feelings

Let’s be real. Not getting the role you thought had your name written all over it could be disappointing and discouraging. 

It’s ok (and actually healthy) to recognize your emotions. Write it out. Talk it out. Heck, sing it out. Just get it out so you can keep moving forward.

11. Treat yo’self

Cut yourself some slack. Be kind and gentle with yourself when things don’t go your way. Book a massage. Take a walk. Sleep in a bit later than usual. Do something sweet for yourself for an extra boost.

12. Keep the perspective

I get that not getting the job is disappointing, but keep in mind that it’s just one of thousands of opportunities out there. I tell my clients that jobs come and go every single day. That’s the truth. 

Don’t give this disappointment more power than it deserves. Keep it in perspective and keep it moving.

What would you add to this list? 

Comment below and share your best strategy for keeping your mindset positive and motivation high when you’re in job search mode. 

I’d love to hear what works for you!

Keep going. You got this. I believe in you.

Cindy xo

 

Did you hear?? 

I made something special for you! It is my new FREE career guide, Get Promoted Playbook!

Learn the 10 strategies you can use to help position yourself for a promotion, even if playing politics isn’t your thing. Go to www.cindyharveyonline.com/playbook and grab your copy today!

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Cindy Harvey is a Leadership Coach and Founder of Amelia Dee, a career strategy company for women. She has coached hundreds of clients on leveraging the power of energy & mindset to create success at work as well as designing a magnetic professional brand to make their next career move a breeze.

 

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