7 Ways to Get Out of a Job Search Rut

Job Search Rut

Getting stuck in a job search rut can happen to anyone, so don’t be ashamed if it sneaks up on you. Unfortunately, the results of finding yourself in this situation often take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Here are seven tips to help get you out of a job search rut during your next career search.

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7 Ways to Get Out of a Job Search Rut

1. Confirm that you are actually in a rut 

If you are experiencing a job search rut, there will typically be one or more of these signs you can relate to:

• Running out of jobs to apply

• Feeling exhausted after yet another job application

• Not generating any interview interest

• Generating interview interest but getting turned down after

2. Keep calm and move on

The job hunt is stressful and can often be downright irritating. You've probably noticed that stressing out worsens bad situations in every aspect of life. The same is true during your job search.

If you can keep calm and continue to move through the motions, you’ll get out of the job search rut faster than you think. 

3. Restart your job search

Pausing your job search for a day or two and restarting fresh can sometimes be what you need to get back on that horse, as they say. 

A quick restart will not only give the work world a few days to regroup, but it also gives you the ability to start new, which often provides emotional and physical relief. 

4. Change your overall technique

Are you only looking through Indeed or other online platforms to find jobs? While those are decent techniques to find a career, plenty of alternatives are available, including the old-fashioned way of asking for applications in-person. 

If the way you’re searching isn’t providing results, look for other platforms and methods to try. That way, you’re not stuck doing one thing throughout the job search process.

5. Manifest your job

When we say this, we do not mean preceding the application process and daydreaming of your dream career. Too many people think they can manifest things in their lives without bothering to put in any work of their own. 

Visualizing yourself in a position, becoming more mindful and grateful for the little steps you make along the way, and letting the universe take charge without you freaking out all change your mindset. 

6. Get more qualified

You might notice that you don’t quite meet the qualifications for the jobs you’re chasing. This is very common. 

Many employers have unrealistic expectations in their job descriptions, making it tough to fulfill all their requirements. The key is to focus on what’s most important to them. 

If you need a certificate, join an online certification program that works with your schedule. If you need experience, find a bottom-of-the-barrel job that will give you relevant experience for the job you want. Don’t just give up; get what you need and work your way to where you want to be. 

7. Take a leap of faith

Finally, your mental limitations are probably keeping you from going after certain opportunities. 

You might see a job where you would be a good fit, but you don’t match every requirement. Apply anyways and market yourself. Instead of only applying for jobs within your comfort zone, give it a shot. If you don’t try, the doors of opportunity won’t open.

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"The average job search may take somewhere around five to six months from application to hiring. Prior to the pandemic, the BLS numbers showed that the average search took roughly five months, so it is reasonable to assume that 2022 will look more like 2019."

— TopResume

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Wrapping Up | Job Search Rut

Job hunting takes time, and you are almost certain to fall into a job search rut at some point in your career. If that happens, integrate these tips and keep trying - things will take a turn for the better. To recap our seven tips:

• Establish that you are actually in a rut 

• Keep calm

• Restart the job search

• Change your overall technique

• Manifest your job

• Get more qualified

• Take a leap of faith

Life is full of adversity, but you will come out on top if you have a resilient attitude. We hope this helps, and best of luck in your job search!

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Title: Ways to Get Out of a Job Search Rut

Category: Job Search

Tags: job search rut, how to get out of a job search rut, searching for a job, struggling to find a job

Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.