Job Searching? Here Are 8 Tips to Keep You Motivated and Moving Forward
Kate Lorch is an educator, facilitator, and designer. She volunteers for Empower Work and recently celebrated 75+ hours on the line. Her career has spanned formal education settings to non-profit workforce development.
Whether you’re searching for your first role or making a major career pivot, job hunting can be overwhelming. At Empower Work, we hear from people every day navigating the uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt that can come with the process. The good news? You're not alone—and these actionable steps will bring more clarity, confidence, and community into your search. Here are 8 tips to help you stay grounded and empowered along the way:
1. Get clear on what you want
Constraints are your friend. Knowing your non-negotiables—like remote vs. in-person work, salary requirements, or schedule needs—can actually make the process easier. A clear vision helps you focus your energy and show up with intention, making you stand out.
2. Network
Building your network is a give and take process of strengthening your relationships. When you ask for guidance or support from someone in your network, you validate their expertise and give them a chance to be of service. Also, helping others that are looking is a great way to continue to strengthen your network and relationships.
3. Play the long game
Focus on a target job and a dream job as you search. Apply for some roles where you are well qualified, but also put your hat in the ring for jobs where you would be challenged to grow. You will learn a lot about yourself by going through the process of applying for stretch roles.
4. Lean on community
The greatest gift you can give to yourself while job searching is a group of friends and champions to cheer you on. You don't have to be alone with the ups and downs. Empower Work can be that support network whenever you need us.
5. Prepare for interviews like a pro
Brainstorm a list of questions you think the interviewer will ask and rehearse your answers out loud. Think about the question you least want to answer and come up with a short and sweet response. Consider recording your answers so you can critique and refine your responses. Empower Work is a great place to get help crafting those answers.
6. Build your skillset
Exploring pro bono projects or volunteering is a great way to keep your skills sharp. Join an organization that curates projects or approach a nonprofit you are passionate about and pitch a specific project idea. Empower Work volunteer training is a free way to build skills and get involved with an important cause.
7. Keep your motivation up
The job search for roles at all levels is taking longer than they had in the past - try not to let that discourage you. Use that time to be in rooms with other people in your field. Navigating a job search only from your laptop is not the way to land that dream job.
8. Strengthen your interpersonal skills
Invest in developing your interpersonal skills so that you are a well-rounded candidate. Articulate these skills because they are as vital as technical skills and may be the difference between you and another candidate. Here are five in-demand skills to consider: adaptability, communication, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence.
You’ve Got This—and We’ve Got You
The job search journey can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Empower Work is here to provide free, immediate, and confidential support if you need someone to talk to about work stress, tough decisions, or anything in between. Text 510-674-1414 for free, confidential support from a trained peer counselor.
Experiencing a tough job search?
Text 51 0-674-1414 for free, confidential support from a trained peer counselor.