When it comes to being unemployed and looking for a job, there are times when at the end of a day, you are stressed, fatigued from running door to door and without hope. This loss of hope is really what kills the search and can be your biggest asset if used as a motivator.
If you have ever been without a job or know what it’s like to be in the field searching and hoping for any open opportunity, then you know how important it is to keep looking no matter what happens. Losing hope and losing momentum just leads down a very dreary and unmotivated road.
How do you avoid lack of hope in an endless abyss of job seekers and employers? Networking and finding a common ground is the answer. Surround yourself with people who are in your area who are going through the same thing that you are. Make yourself available in your community and offer to help a neighbor or friend with a side project. You never know where that connection can lead. This simple infiltration can lead to great connections, friends and hopefully colleagues and work mates.
Take advantage of the Internet. No, this doesn’t mean hit up all of your career sites and go nuts. Look up and research blogs about unemployment. What are your advantages and disadvantages? A lot of the time, its easy to find someone who knows the answer. Online you can find great interview tips, what companies really are hiring and what kind of jobs are employers looking to hire for. All of the answers can be found you just have to look for them! Blogs, forums and discussion groups are a great jumping off point.
Give local groups a try too. Sign up for free on Meetup.com and meet people who are looking for work. Many times, there are groups that may interest you outside of just being unemployed. Be sure and check out your hobby groups as well. Every connection counts!