Job searching can be time-consuming and tiring. Unfortunately, it’s rare to land a job right away from your first application. You need to be persistent, and building resilience is key to this. Feeling defeated when you’ve faced a rejection is natural, but instead of seeing it as a setback, resilience can help you reframe it as a stepping stone.

What is resilience? 

Resilience is the ability to push ahead and continue on your job searching path despite challenges you may face along the way. Developing your resilience will help you to stay motivated and work towards your ideal outcome. 

How can you build resilience for job searching? 

Set realistic goals: 

Rather than having a single large overall goal such as “Get a job,” break this down into smaller, more achievable goals that are within your control. For example, this can be updating your LinkedIn profile, or a weekly target of how many jobs to apply for.

Reflect on your rejections: 

Rather than getting downhearted when you get a rejection, try to consider what you can learn from it. Are there skills related to the role you can work on, or ways to improve your CV or interview preparation? If you progressed to later stages in the application process, you can also ask the employer for feedback. 

Build your network: 

Surround yourself with people who can support and help you along the way. For example, family and friends who you can talk to when things get difficult. Remember, your Northcoders careers coach can help too!

Take time for self-care: 

Don’t forget to step away from your laptop to take some time for yourself. It’s great to be dedicated to your job search, but you don’t want to burn yourself out. If you struggle to take that time, you can set yourself a schedule. For example, you can plan specific hours to job search or have breaks. Take care of yourself by doing something that makes you happy, such as socialising or a hobby. 

Focus on the right things: 

Not all aspects of the search are within your control. Try to identify what you can control, such as applying for another role, rather than what you cannot, such as worrying about an application that has already been submitted. Keeping your attention on what you can control will help you be more optimistic and resilient.

Be adaptable: 

Change is not a bad thing. If something is not working, try a new approach. This can mean updating your CV, looking at different job boards, or reviewing your portfolio. Your Northcoders careers coach can offer suggestions if you need them.

Continue learning: 

Remember to take some time to practice your coding skills and perhaps learn something new. This will help you develop confidence in your abilities, grow your portfolio, and talk about your skills in an interview. 

Visualise: 

A key to a positive mindset and resilience is taking the time to think about what success looks like for you. Try to picture yourself in that role and keep pushing towards it.

Job searching can be tough, and some of this may seem difficult at times. Pace yourself and come back to these steps if you ever feel overwhelmed or like you need to rethink your approach. Try to embrace the challenges, invest in yourself and your skills, and take the journey one step at a time. We wish you the best in your job search!