How to Get Out of Your (Groundhog Day) Job Search Rut

How to Get Out of Your (Groundhog Day) Job Search Rut How to Get Out of Your (Groundhog Day) Job Search Rut Most likely, you’ve seen the hit film Groundhog Day. In the 1993 classic, Bill Murray plays an arrogant TV weatherman who is assigned to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, PA. He discovers that he is stuck in a time loop, repeating Groundhog Day over and over again. Eventually, he begins to reflect upon his life and determines to take the steps to make his job and his life better. Just like Bill Murray, it is possible to get out of your Groundhog Day job search rut. At some point during your job search, you’ve probably felt like every day was Groundhog Day, too. You’re churning out job applications, crafting cover letters, and…nothing. You’re not hearing back from hiring managers, and it seems like your job search is going nowhere. But there are ways to get out of your Groundhog Day job search rut. Here’s how. Take a break. It seems counter-intuitive to stop searching for a job when you need a job. But searching endlessly for a job without any luck can quickly become depressing. Out of frustration, you might wind up searching half-heartedly for a job, thinking that you won’t get hired anyway. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a break- even for a few days- because its important to stay positive while job searching. Taking some time off can help you alleviate the stress and give you a much-needed break. Revisit your interests. Just because you’ve always worked as an accountant doesn’t mean that you always have to be an accountant. Take advantage of your job seeker status to figure out what you would really like to do in the next phase of your career. It might mean changing career paths completely and doing something that has always seemed more like a passion than a profitable career. It is possible to find a job youre passionate about and that pays too! Starting fresh in a new career field might be just the jump-start you need to get out of your rut. Become a volunteer. When you’re looking for a job, that’s what it feels like you’re doing all the time. To breathe new life into your job search- and your life- you can try your hand at volunteering. Perhaps you want to pitch in at your child’s school or help out at a local charity. You might even decide to intern at a company you’ve had your eye on to see if you would like to work there. Doing something out of the ordinary can help you get re-inspired and out of your job search rut. Learn from others. Here’s the truth: you might be making mistakes in your job search that are preventing you from getting hired. So speak with fellow job seekers to see what some of their strategies are for getting hired. You can also ask advice from your employed friends and find out what tips they can offer you. Then you can adapt some of their ideas into your job search to improve your chances of getting hired. Break the rules. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures- especially when you’re looking for a job. Pick up the phone and call the hiring manager directly after you’ve submitted your job application. Or step outside your comfort zone and apply for a work-at-home job that will pay the bills but also give you the flexibility to look for another job too. Applying for jobs day in and day out is boring at best, soul-crushing at worst. But remember that there is no one direct way to find a job, so take chances and make your job search fun! You’ll feel better and you’ll greatly improve your chances of finding a job that you’ll love. Readers, have you ever felt stuck in a Groundhog Day-style job search rut? How have you tried to shake up your job hunt? Let us know in the comments section below!