Career Talk

April 2007 Issue

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Staying Motivated During an Extended Job Search

Legal administrators who have been in the job market for any length of time know how frustrating the process can be. Even in today’s competitive hiring environment it’s not uncommon to send out numerous resumes yet generate only limited response for your effort. This can have even the most confident legal professional questioning his or her marketability and job-hunting abilities.

Staying motivated when a search takes longer than expected can be particularly challenging. The techniques you used early on may no longer be effective or appropriate several months into the process. It’s critical to continually reassess your strategy and take steps to keep up your morale. Following are a few suggestions:

Continue your education. While your job search is no doubt your top priority, using some of your time to gain new skills can be a wise distraction—and a valuable investment. Consider courses that will increase your marketability, such as those focused on computer or technical skills. You’ll expand your knowledge base and improve your long-term career prospects. Even if the course is unrelated to the legal field, you can still benefit. Learning should be an ongoing process, whether or not you’re actively in the job market.

Take a time out. Designate a day when you won’t talk or think about employment issues. By allowing yourself some time off, you can recharge and remain productive.

Keep a journal. Spend about 10 or 15 minutes a day writing down your thoughts about the job search process. What progress did you make? What setbacks did you encounter? What new avenues can you pursue? Often the simplest ideas can be the catalysts for new approaches to your search.

Seek advice. A career counselor or professional recruiter can assess your resume and cover letter, offer an overview of the employment market in your area and recommend steps you might take to better target your search.

Re-evaluate your priorities. Failing to accomplish your job-search objectives can be discouraging. So it’s worth taking a second look at your goals. Have you inadvertently been setting yourself up for failure? For instance, if you are only willing to work for law firms in a geographic area, you may need to expand your search. Would you be willing to drive an extra 30 minutes each way for the right opportunity? Would you consider a position with a lower base salary yet room for advancement? Decide your absolute must-haves and be prepared to compromise on those aspects of the job that are like-to-haves, particularly in a competitive job market.

Share time with friends. Surround yourself with friends and family who are supportive and maintain an optimistic outlook on life. This will help you keep your spirits high and provide the motivation you need when you hit a career roadblock.

Get exercise. Studies have shown that physical activity can minimize the psychological impact of stress. Getting into a regular exercise routine will keep you energized. Hiring managers look for enthusiasm when interviewing job applicants. It’s not always easy to maintain that enthusiasm several weeks or months into the search. Exercise can help.

Join an association. Participating in activities offered by legal professionals associations can help you increase your visibility in the legal community. Play an active role in the group and volunteer for projects. You’ll make new contacts while providing much-needed assistance to a volunteer-driven organization.

Learn about successful people. Almost everyone has encountered a setback on the way to the top. Reading about the experiences of others can help you keep your own situation in perspective.

Volunteer. There’s no more effective way to lift your spirits than to help others. As an added bonus, you’ll expand your network, which is particularly valuable during a job search.

Join a support group. Talking with others who are going through the same experience is important not only to feel connected but also to develop new ideas that can help your search. Most major cities have career resource centers that host networking meetings for job seekers. You’ll be surprised how willing people are to assist you, whether they offer leads on firms that are hiring or simply listen to your concerns.

The job-search process can be challenging in any employment environment, particularly for those not accustomed to marketing their skills on a daily basis. Finding a new position requires persistence, and, at times, an ability to overcome rejection.

When faced with an extended job hunt, you need a strategy for maintaining motivation over the long term. Increasing your marketability, getting involved in the community and periodically reassessing your goals can help you stay on track. By keeping a positive attitude in the face of setbacks, you’ll position yourself well to demonstrate that resilience for prospective employers.

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