Keep up the good work

If your job search is not yielding results, here are some ideas to keep you going strong

You are doing all the right things but are not getting the results. Your job applications go unanswered, interviews are unsuccessful and there is no response from the headhunters.

What else needs to be done to land your dream job?

Employers look for candidates who can be trained, are competent, likeable, enthusiastic, smart, show a genuine interest in the job, have a can-do attitude and fit in with the company's values.

If you are currently in between jobs, it is important not to fall into depression and feel overwhelmed by the lack of results.

Most job-seekers start out very enthusiastically, but when results are not forthcoming, they can be easily demoralised and stop their efforts to generate more job opportunities.

Too many job-seekers become desperate and, though they try to hide it, it may surface during the interview. Interviewers and employers are wary of candidates who seem desperate.

Another blunder is to become jaded. After many unsuccessful interviews, the job-seeker becomes worn-out and is irritated at having to repeat the same story many times over. He starts to appear annoyed and his answers sound practised and weary, or worse, cynical.

But as this is the first time the potential interviewer is meeting the job-seeker and hearing his answers, the candidate has effectively sabotaged his chances of securing the job.

Employers want to hire enthusiastic candidates.

Keep a daily to-do list
No matter how demoralised you are feeling, you must do something every day that leads to getting a job.

Such tasks include scanning job advertisements, contacting someone in your network, reviewing trade magazines, writing a cover letter and a tailored resumé, sending thank-you notes, building a database or people file and getting a referral.

Set up a points system and allocate a point to each of these activities. Aim for at least 20 points a week or more.

The points system will help you measure your productive activities that will lead you to fulfilling your goal.

Such systems are frequently used in most organisations to measure the productivity of the staff.

In essence, as a job-seeker, your workweek should not be too different from an employee's workweek. For example, your work schedule should have confirmed meetings and targets for the week.

Improve yourself
Don't take rejections personally. Talk to your mentor or coach to discuss areas for improvement in the interview and job search process.

Ask friends for their feedback on your non-verbal communication cues, idiosyncrasies and grooming style.

You may even want to speak to the employer who rejected you to get feedback.

The transition period is a great time for new learning. Signing up for enrichment courses in your field keeps you updated and allows you to network with your coursemates.

You may also want to consider studying something new, such as an area you were keen on but did not have the time to develop.

Find part-time work
Some companies are unable to offer you a permanent position. It would be good to take on a part-time or contract job anyway, as it will keep you busy.

The part-time job or assignment could lead to something more permanent in the future. The people you currently work with may even refer opportunities to you in the industry.

Be positive
Stay calm and enjoy some personal time. Do the activities that you always wanted to do, but did not have the time for. Curl up with a good book, catch a movie during off-peak hours, take the day off for a hike or reach out to friends whom you have not met for some time.

Dress well. If you look sloppy, you feel sloppy. If you look good, you feel good. It is psychological, so try not to stay in your pyjamas the entire day.

Be thankful for what you have. Each morning is a fresh opportunity to regain your energies and any lost ground. Keep upbeat and positive. Avoid hanging around negative people.

Exercise. It is very important to stay healthy. Eat well, exercise moderately and keep fit. You will have more stamina and will feel good too.

Take every opportunity to expand your network, meet new people and stay positive to keep the job search momentum going.

Wisdom from Human Chee Sze Yen,