Is it time to revise your job search goals?

So, you set yourself some pretty achievable career goals for 2021 but now you’re 3 months in and they’re seeming a lot less achievable? Same! Perhaps it’s time to re-assess.

Whilst searching for work I think it can be a good thing to have some goals in mind, but one thing about goals is that you need to check in sometimes and make adjustments, whether it’s changing timeframe, scale or just plain crossing it off your list.

This time last year the world changed quite drastically and whilst it seems like we’re approaching normalcy again there’s still a long way to go. We’re allowed to spend time processing and recovering from the craziness. So, as you conduct your search for work, let’s remember to do the following things.

Be gentle with yourself

Searching for work can be a gruelling process. Submitting application after application and receiving limited to no response is hard and sometimes, when the role sounds really exciting and perfect for you, it can feel quite personal. I’ve definitely been there.

In these moments when you’re feeling like you can’t handle any more rejection, remember to be gentle with yourself.

Take the time to make a cup of tea or coffee, settle in and relax before diving into CareerHub, Seek or Indeed. Make the process as relaxing as possible. If you’re anything like me, you’ll pop on an old TV show for some comforting background noise (and occasional distraction).

It’s also good to spend a day off and not focus on the search! You may feel guilty or like you’re not being productive but it’s important for your mental health to take a break from applying.

Remember that there are plenty of other people out there applying and feeling the same way. Just be gentle with yourself during this process and be sure to give yourself the care and rest you need, and don’t take it personally if you don’t get the result you wanted from an application.

Take some of the pressure off, ask for help!

Find a friend to give your resume a read — they may have some insights from their own experience. It can also be fun to peruse job boards with someone else and see what they think about the roles you want to apply for. A role you may have thought you weren’t qualified or suited for could be the perfect fit for you in your friend’s eyes (and give you a good old confidence boost)!

When I was looking for my first role out of university, I had a lot of help from a friend who had been through it all before. She helped me beef up my resume and even found some roles she thought I was a good fit for (including my current role at UTS Careers).

UTS Careers is also here to help you throughout our every stage of the job search, interview and recruitment process. Our resources page has plenty of workbooks, videos and tools to help you search for roles, round out your resume and nail your interview!

You could attend a group session to chat to your peers about resume or interview questions. We also often promote and collaborate on Career Fairs, networking events and information sessions where you can connect with recruiters to build your network and find out more about opportunities and organisations.

It’s never a bad idea to reach out to friends, peers or your careers service for help at any stage of your search or applications. We’re here to help!

Keep trying and don’t give up

Keep putting yourself out there and applying — adjust your expectations if needed but don’t stop searching. It’s fairly likely that you won’t get your ideal job on your first application, or even your second. The more you put yourself out there, the more chance you’ll reach that next stage for at least one opportunity. You may just have a bit more choice if you hear back from multiple applications.

If you haven’t heard back or you’re not where you wanted to be, that’s ok! It’s not your fault and it’s not a failure.

And when you do get a positive response, do that happy dance around the house and know that persistence is key!

Happy hunting!

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