Job hunting can seem never-ending and it's easy to lose focus. Especially in tech, where the process can be competitive and slow. Staying motivated is key, even when progress feels small. Here are a few strategies to keep your spirits up during the search.
Set Achievable Goals
It’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t have anything solid to work towards. Set small, bite-sized goals to give yourself a sense of achievement, even things as simple as washing the dishes or going for a walk can count.
- Use a planner, diary, or app to keep track of your accomplishments. Seeing what you’ve done each day helps stay committed to your goals.
- Dedicate specific time blocks to your search: applying for roles, updating your CV, and practising interview questions.
- Keep a record of your applications to stay organised and avoid submitting multiple applications or missing deadlines.
- Stick to a routine. Having structure helps prevent being overwhelmed and leaves space for downtime and unwinding.
Celebrate The Small Wins
While you’re searching for a new role, it’s easy to forget how much progress you’re making, even if it’s not reflected in a job offer yet.
- Whether you’ve completed a course, sent out an application, or nailed a coding challenge, celebrate it!
- Keep track of all your positive feedback, progress milestones or anything that made you feel good.
- Reward yourself for hitting personal goals, like enjoying a nice coffee or taking a relaxing day off.
Use Your Time To Sharpen Your Skills
When you’re in between jobs, investing in yourself can keep your confidence high, and boost your employability at the same time.
- Take online courses or work towards certifications. These can refresh your skills and give you something new to add to your CV or talk about in interviews.
- Stay updated with industry trends. Reading tech blogs, newsletters, and following thought leaders in your area of expertise helps you stay current and keeps your brain engaged.
Stay Connected With The Tech Community
It’s normal to feel alone during a long job search, but staying connected can keep you engaged and even lead to job opportunities.
- Join online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or DEV Community to talk to like-minded people.
- Attend virtual or in-person meetups, webinars, or networking events to meet others in the industry.
- Reach out to old classmates, former colleagues, or mentors, even a quick catch-up can lift your spirits and open doors.
Prioritise Self-Care
Job searching can take a toll on your mental health, so make sure you’re looking after yourself throughout the process.
- Take regular breaks. It’s okay to step away and recharge your batteries.
- Talk to someone. Friends, family, or even a professional, if you’re feeling low or overwhelmed.
- Look into job search support groups. Talking to others going through the same thing can help you feel reassured and less isolated.
Job searching in tech isn’t easy, but you’re not alone, and this stage won’t last forever. Progress might feel slow but every step you take moves you forward. Be kind to yourself, stay consistent, and celebrate the small wins. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by!
Written by Ellen Gough