How to keep your job search momentum throughout the new year

By Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster.com

When you enjoy all things merry and bright throughout the holidays, you may think about January as a fresh start, a clean slate, and an opportunity to hit the ground running with your job or internship search. 

When I worked in recruiting, I always noticed a significant increase of applications from candidates who were eager to make their mark in the new year. With polished resumes and sharp interview skills, momentum is palpable! Yes, it’s an invigorating and exciting time, but like many new year’s resolutions, it’s important to focus on a marathon, not a sprint so you don’t give up and burn yourself out a few weeks into the search.

At Monster, a job search engine, we recognize the importance of consistent efforts. Persistent efforts like networking, revising your resume, and of course, applying, will help you cross that finish line. 

Here are five ways to keep your job search momentum well past January.

Get organized

Whether you create a spreadsheet or jot down notes in your phone, it’s all good. When you get organized and streamline efficiencies, you position yourself for success. For instance, you can create a spreadsheet with job titles, links to the roles you’re pursuing, and the dates you applied. You should also copy and paste each job description into a separate document to refer to it when you prepare for interviews. Jot down notes of interview dates and helpful networking conversations, too.

Leverage your calendar to set up reminders. For instance, if you recently interviewed and the company said you should follow up in two weeks if you haven’t heard back by then, immediately put a reminder in your phone. 

When your job search is in motion and especially when you’re speaking with several companies, it can get confusing to remember who you talked with about what, and more specifically the role and compensation. 

Job searches aren’t like DMs—unlike the fast-paced world we live in, they take time. Setting up your own system can helpfully decrease stress in having to remember various things, so you can continue to pursue your job search with gusto.

Celebrate small wins

When you search for a new job, of course the one tangible, most important result is that coveted job offer, but there are so many milestones along the way. Taking time to appreciate and mark integral steps along your journey can help keep your eye on the prize while persevering. 

Did you just conduct an insightful informational interview with someone in the company or industry you want to pursue? That’s a win. Have you applied to several jobs and heard back from an employer to schedule a phone interview? Another win. Have you spoken with your career center on campus to schedule a mock interview session? Yet another fist bump. 

Establish a routine

Similar to signing up for a class at the gym, schedule time on your calendar with hard start and stop times to look for a job. Set up job alerts so they land in your in-box, and then every day from 8 to 9 am or whatever works around your course schedule, dedicate that time to applying to jobs, reaching out to people in your network, and more. 

Be flexible in adjusting that time if you need more or less time, but create a standing meeting with yourself as if it was with someone else you would show up for. When you create a routine and stick to it, you can develop a rhythm to your job search. This way, you create a schedule you’re in control of so it doesn’t control you. 

Take breaks

Incorporate breaks as needed and give yourself time off so you don’t burn out. This may sound counterintuitive when the goal is landing a new job, but taking breaks is necessary to fuel your job search and give your mind a chance to decompress.

Self-care is key. The same way you shouldn’t lift weights every day because your muscles need time off to rest and recover is the same way you should view your job search. For instance, if you pursue it every day including weekends, all hours of the day, for a month non-stop, it can feel exhausting, deflating, and even discouraging. 

Instead, look at your schedule and see where you can allow for a breather. For instance, if you’re gung-ho for two weeks Monday through Friday, give yourself permission to detach for a day or two. 

Find an accountability buddy

Whether you check in with a friend online or in person, checking in with someone who’s also looking for a job can be a helpful support system. You may want to schedule this on your calendar, too, whether it’s a weekly check in or keep it more casual with texts. This person is there for you and vice versa whenever you lean on them or celebrate those small wins with them! 

Emotionally, you have each other’s backs. Practically speaking, you can also share information you learned during interviews such as negotiating tips. 

Above all, when you approach your job search with a positive attitude and vigor, you can truly be unstoppable! Keep in mind that looking for a job involves time and effort, and as you learn new skills, polish your interview skills, continue your job search efforts in January and beyond, remember to be patient and persistent. You got this!