How do you stay motivated through rejection, no response, and the daily confidence hits that are part of the job seeking journey?

You wear Hats.

Most people have a tendency to sit down, do some job seeking tasks (apply, research, follow up etc) and when they’ve finished just get up and head into the next thing. 

When an exciting opportunity shows up, typically people will apply, and then check  their email every 30 seconds for a response. Same applies after an interview.

Anticipation bleeds into conversations, thoughts in the middle of the night, and overall focus. It creates an emotional roller-coaster.

So… back to hats.

Try this: when you decide to sit down and work on your job stuff – take your hand and pretend to put on a JOB SEEKING hat. Literally, put it on as you mentally move into that space of focus. And when you’re done – take it off.

And when you take the hat off – do your best to step out of all job seeking related activities. Go be with your family or friends. Go take a  bath or prepare a meal.

Set a time for when you’ll sit down again and do some more – and check for any responses at that time. Until then – hat OFF.