Searching for a job may feel fruitless and tiresome. It’s difficult to stay motivated when you are not seeing the results you were hoping for. The good news? There are ways to fight back and stay motivated to find your dream job!

Shift your mindset to be more strategic:

Tailoring your CV or cover letter for each application may seem tedious, however, remember that a quality CV is more likely to secure you a role than sending out dozens of untailored applications. Set a weekly target of sending out 3-5 applications and make sure each one is tailored to the job you are applying for! To stay organised, consider keeping a spreadsheet of your applications to track your progress.

Redefine productivity:

A win doesn’t always come in the form of a job offer, normalise celebrating the small wins and the progress you are making towards your goal rather than putting too much pressure on yourself to achieve your dream job. Messaging a contact on LinkedIn, tweaking your CV, or reaching the interview stage are all small steps towards a greater goal. Try making a list each week of three micro-wins that helped you progress towards your goal.

Talk it out:

It can be a lonely process, particularly if you are seeing your friends or peers progressing without you, but remember you are not alone! Most people have gone through this process at some point in their life and there are many others like you going through the same experience right now. Sharing this with friends and family or online communities can remind you that you are not the only one struggling and may even offer helpful advice or leads.

Build routine and rest:

Treat your job search like a job: set working hours and breaks so you prevent overworking yourself and inevitably burning out. Find what refuels you and make sure to work that into your schedule, whether it be a walk, a coffee break, reading a book, chatting to a friend or anything else that recharges your battery and declutters your mind.

Use this time for growth:

It is difficult to find time for personal growth, especially when you are in the throes of a new job. Therefore, it is important to take advantage of this time to learn new, or refine existing, skills (read our blog from May 2025 for more tips on upskilling, https://jobjar.co.uk/blog/blog-article.php?id=464), enrol in a webinar or course, or read up on current trends in the job market that you should be aware of. Taking this time to improve your knowledge may also improve your employability, and it is a good way to reignite motivation!

Revisit your “why”:

When you begin to lose sight of why you are exhausting yourself for a job that you may or may not love, remind yourself why you chose this specific career path. Why do you want this job? What kind of life are you building? On tough days, reconnecting with your purpose can keep you going. And if you’re struggling to define your “why,” it might be time to reflect on what future you truly want.

If you are feeling stuck or discouraged, you are not alone and you are certainly not failing. It is perfectly normal for you to feel this way – you are human, after all. It will all work out eventually and you will receive the job offer you have been working so hard for. Until then, be kind to yourself and be patient, focus on the small wins you are achieving rather than beating yourself up for the goals you have not reached yet.