Looking for a new job can be discouraging. If you’ve undertaken an extensive or particularly challenging job hunt, you might have even experienced job search depression or fatigue. It’s understandable as having a safe, profitable, reliable job where you can succeed is how you put food on the table and afford housing, transportation, and enriching experiences. When you start to lose hope, refocus and find motivation again with these reminders.
You have great qualities.
Reflect on your greatest accomplishments, traits you’re most proud of, the best feedback you’ve ever gotten, and the qualities that make you a great employee. Write it all down and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day, like on a mirror, next to your laptop, or on your phone’s wallpaper. When you feel discouraged, come back to this list to remind yourself of your amazing qualities and accomplishments.
Take a break.
While you might be tempted to spend every free moment scrolling job boards, tweaking your resume, or applying to jobs, you must pace yourself on this journey. Be intentional with how you spend your time, from only pursuing jobs you would actually be interested in accepting to finding efficient ways to connect with recruiters. Plan time to rest and enjoy hobbies you love.
You can find the job you want.
Define the non-negotiables for your next role’s responsibilities, schedule, and benefits, and what options you would consider accepting. Be clear with yourself on what you’re willing to negotiate should you receive an offer—a guaranteed hybrid schedule, additional PTO, a higher salary, or a signing bonus, for example. Knowing exactly what you want will streamline your job search process, free up time, aid conversations with recruiters, and give you confidence in your decision-making.
It isn’t personal.
Job searching is an individualized experience that can feel quite personal, especially if it isn’t going as you hoped. When hiring, companies are making business decisions, and they are looking for the job candidate most suitable for the role. As you’re searching for the perfect role, you are also making business decisions. Know your goals, offers you are willing to accept, and what you must turn down. Don’t settle for less than you want, and don’t take rejection personally.
Express is here to 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.
Last Updated on October 21, 2025
