Most people would agree that landing a new job is a job in itself.  For job seekers this job search can sometimes be a lonely emotional roller coaster.  There are times when a job seeker can feel very good about their search progress while at other times they can be at an emotional low.

During the process of a job search it’s important to stay motivated to maintain the momentum of actively and creatively uncovering multiple opportunities.   Maintaining one’s motivation is not just about keeping a positive perspective.  It is also about having a structure in place to get out of the emotional lows quickly when they happen.  Here are my top 5 ways to maintain your motivation during a job search:

Limit your exposure to the news. The news can be very depressing especially when there are constant reports on how bad, slow, or tough the job market is.

Stay away from negative people. Negative people will only have bad things to say about your job search.  Surround yourself with other people who are already employed, keep a positive perspective, and make you feel good about yourself.

Schedule time for fun. Make sure to take a break at least once a week to schedule something fun to do.  This could be a hobby, time at the gym, sports, an event, or time with your family and friends.

Try something new in your search. Attend a networking event, go for an informational interview, or change the format of your resume.  Continue to try to do different things to keep your search interesting.

Hire a career coach. A career coach can help you devise a reliable strategy that would make your job search more effective and measurable.   A career coach can also provide the support that you need to stay motivated and confident throughout your job search.