4 Motivators to Jumpstart Your Job Search

Illustration of a black woman using a magnifying glass to examine the word 'JOB' in a speech bubble, surrounded by other job-related icons and symbols.

“Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they never quit.” —J.W. Marriott

Cheers to a new year! Have you mapped out your goals for the year ahead? Is looking for a new job opportunity part of your plans? According to a Top Resumé survey, 65% of professionals say getting a new job is among their top New Year’s resolutions; however, less than half report knowing how to execute the goal. If you’re looking for encouragement to tackle your job search, here are four motivational tips to get started.

Set Yourself up for Success

Whether this is your first job search or you’re looking for your next big opportunity, be proactive by making yourself marketable to recruiters and hiring managers before hitting the job market. Check that your resume and portfolio are up-to-date with relevant experience and skills. Write down your target companies and do market research on relevant industries. Setting yourself up early for success will help streamline your job search and alleviate some anxiety or stress you may face.

Optimize Your Best Hours with Time Blocking

Have you heard or used the phrase, “Looking for a job is a full-time job?” The reality is that we are too busy with responsibilities to devote an entire day to job hunting. Finding the time to search for jobs can be even more difficult if you are employed. Create a strategy to maximize your peak hours by blocking off time to look for roles that interest you. LinkedIn says implementing time blocking in your job search routine can help prioritize your most important tasks, avoid distractions and multitasking, and measure your progress and results. Be sure to also use downtime (during the evenings or weekends) to your advantage. Keep in mind that everyone’s “best hours” will vary based on where they are in their career.

Rally Up Your Support Team

Do you have a group of people you can rely on for motivation and guidance to maximize your career? Reaching out to your network for advice could give you a needed push to put your best foot forward as a job seeker. Read the Express Blog article, Leverage Your LinkedIn Connections to accelerate your job hunt, widen your professional network, and find your next opportunity.

Motivate Yourself

While encouragement from others might give the boost you need in your career, you can also obtain it by taking a good look at yourself. Recognize and persevere through the challenging times of your job search, and celebrate the victories. Be your own cheerleader in your career; after all, it’s your individual journey, and you can do everything you set your mind to with effort and dedication. Good luck on your job search!

If you’re looking for a new job opportunity, Express can help.  

Express Employment International supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and affiliated brands, including Specialized Recruiting Group and Express Healthcare Staffing. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

A man holding a tablet in an office corridor next to text about Express Employment International's commitment to employment. Logos for Express Employment Professionals, Specialized Recruiting Group, and Express Healthcare Staffing are shown. Transcribed Text: Express Employment International and our franchised network of brands are committed to providing hope through employment around the world.

Last Updated on August 15, 2025