Can’t get a job? Feel like a failure? Searching for a job is tough. And it can impact your self-esteem. When you first start your search you might feel full of hope and excitement for all of the new possibilities! It is important to keep up this momentum by using your free time to improve your skills and confidence. It might start to seem hopeless when things don’t work out right away. Don’t let a few rejections get you down- try to hold onto that initial enthusiasm. A bumpy job search can lower your confidence, which can make your search even harder.

Check out the following tips on how to break this vicious cycle and keep your self-esteem high during these tough times.

1. Practice positive self-talk
2.  If you’re not working, take advantage of it to engage in professional development
3. Update your industry knowledge
4. Network with people in your field
5. Get out from in front of the television
6. Get into a daily routine
7. Learn a foreign language
8. Interact with other job seekers
9. Identify your weaknesses, and work on them
10. Be a role model of positive attitude
11. Volunteer
12. Create a comforting and productive environment
13. Ignore your inner critic
14. Build a positive self-image
15. Acknowledge yourself
16. Eat well and exercise
17. Cut negative people from your life if possible
18. Cultivate positive relationships
19. Try a new hobby
20. Spend time with your family
21. Find alternative sources of income
22. Pursue your passion
23. Seek encouragement from others
24. Challenge yourself
25. Don’t give up
26. Believe in yourself

We hope you can use these pointers as a lifeline when it feels like you are swimming up-river searching for a job. Perseverance and confidence are key. You might not get the first job you set your sights on. Sometimes it takes significant time and effort to really secure a new position.

Don’t give up on yourself! You’ve made it this far and you can use this time to work on your passions and strengthen your self-worth.

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