10 Ways to Stay Motivated When Job Hunting

Job hunting can feel like a full-time job in itself – minus the paycheque, the coffee runs, or the satisfying sense of closure at the end of the day.

Whether you’re recently redundant, fresh out of uni, or just looking for a change, staying motivated through endless applications and polite rejections can be tough.

Applying for jobs takes time and effort.

But don’t chuck in the towel just yet. Here are ten real-world ways to keep your chin up and carry on when looking for work:

1. Set a Daily Routine

It’s tempting to sleep in and binge Netflix when there’s no office to report to. But setting a consistent routine gives your day structure – and your brain a sense of purpose. Treat job hunting like work: start at a reasonable hour, have a plan, and knock off at a set time. Your mental health will thank you.

2. Create a 'Job Search' Workspace

Whether it’s a desk, kitchen bench, or café corner, designate a space that’s just for job hunting. It helps your brain switch into 'work mode' and avoid distractions (we see you, Instagram scroll).

3. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Applying for 100 jobs in a week sounds great, until you burn out by Tuesday. Instead, aim for bite-sized daily goals – like updating your CV, writing two tailored cover letters, or reaching out to one contact on LinkedIn. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

4. Take Proper Breaks

Don’t punish yourself with 8 hours of straight job applications. Step outside. Go for a walk. Have a cuppa. Rest is productive too – it recharges your brain and keeps you from burning out.

5. Talk to People

Don’t isolate yourself. Let friends and family know you’re job hunting. They might offer support, job leads, or just a much-needed pep talk. Networking isn’t just for awkward events with name tags – most opportunities come through people you know.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

Got a call back? Finished rewriting your resume? Finally hit ‘send’ on that application you’ve been tweaking for days? Celebrate it. These milestones matter. They’re proof you’re moving forward.

7. Learn Something New

Take advantage of the downtime. Whether it’s brushing up on Excel, starting a free online course, or learning how to write a killer LinkedIn summary, upskilling boosts your confidence – and your CV.

8. Mix Up Your Approach

If you’ve been blasting out the same cover letter to every job, it might be time to rethink. Tailor your applications. Try informational interviews. Get feedback on your resume. A fresh approach can bring better results – and new motivation.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

This one’s big. Rejections are rough, but they’re not personal. Hiring is often about timing, budgets, and a million things you can’t control. Don’t beat yourself up – be kind. You're doing your best.

10. Remember: This Is Temporary

It might not feel like it now, but this phase won’t last forever. Every day you're applying, learning, growing, and inching closer to your next opportunity. Keep showing up. The right role is out there – and it’s worth the wait.

Final Thoughts

Looking for work can test your patience, your confidence, and your Wi-Fi. But staying motivated, even in small ways, makes a massive difference. Stick with it. Talk to people. Take breaks. Celebrate the wins. You’ve got this.