Feeling overwhelmed by your job search? If so, you’re not alone. Most job candidates feel stressed out and beat up at one time or another during their job search. And in today’s economy, it can anywhere from six to 12 months to find a new job. But rather than get discouraged, keep your chin up and stay positive. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Get a game plan together.

Creating a plan of action is a good way to stay motivated during a job search. So, for instance, commit to researching two or three potential employers each afternoon. Then send an email to the head of the department you’re interested in working for, such as accounting or IT, introducing yourself and explaining how you could be of value to their firm.

2. Get organized.

When you’re sending out dozens of resumes every week or month, it can be hard to keep track of your efforts. But it’s a must. Getting organized will help you run a more efficient – and hopefully effective – job search campaign. Creating a system to track your progress is easy. It just takes a little time. Use a computer program like Excel or Word to create a list of the positions and companies you’ve applied for, when you applied, if you were contacted, who contacted you, and what they said. This will give you a visual record of your progress and also help ensure you don’t follow up too often, or not often enough, with a lead.

3. Get moving.

It’s easy to get depressed if you’re sitting in front of the computer all day in your bathrobe. So get out of your PJs – and out of the house. Go to the library to do some job hunting there, or schedule a lunch appointment with a former colleague or friend who can offer some good job search advice.

4. Get busy.

Always wanted to write a how-to book? Interested in volunteering at a local charity? Now’s the time. When you get a new job, you probably won’t have the time to pursue these kinds of worthwhile projects. You may even meet some people along the way who can help in your job search. Plus, when you do go on interviews and employers ask what you’ve been doing during the past six months, saying you wrote a book or helped disadvantaged children sounds impressive.

5. Get a life.

Don’t worry that if you’re not checking your email every 10 minutes, you’ll miss out on an opportunity. It will be there when you get back. So go for a walk, catch a movie, or go out to dinner. Whatever it is, do something you enjoy that takes your mind off your job search.

6. Get help.

Work with a Northern California employment agency to get help with your job search. Not only can they help ensure your resume and interviewing skills are top-notch, but they can also give you access to jobs that may not be advertised to the general public.

And if you’re ready for some help from a Northern California employment agency, please contact Pacific Staffing. We can put you well on your way to finding your next job!