January traditionally sees a surge in job seekers entering the market which can make it harder to secure an interview or receive a response from the employer. If you’re looking for a new job this month, here are five essential tips to help you stay motivated:

The time is now

The 4th quarter to the 1st quarter (ie, September through March) is an ideal time to find a new job. If you put the brakes on your job search during December, the next few weeks will be crucial to your job search success. Hiring managers who need to fill vacancies targeted for Quarter 1 will be keen to move fast. If you see a vacancy that interests you, don’t waste time – respond quickly.

Consider this a time of renewal

If you’re out of work, carrying out a job search is your job. For many it becomes a stressful and demotivating period as you submit your resume to numerous jobs for little return, or fail to receive feedback (or a job offer) after an interview. Stay healthy and positive by adopting a healthy lifestyle and setting limits on the amount of time you commit to your job search. If months of applying to jobs have proved unsuccessful contact a recruiter who specializes in your field for advice on how to improve your resume and advise whether your career goal is realistic based on your experience.  

Focus on your attitude and effort

The only element of your job search that you can control is you. The effort you put in and the attitude you adopt in the face of rejections are both your responsibility. The actions of employers or recruiters are outside of your control. Frustrations are inevitable when yet another hiring manager fails to acknowledge your application or follow-up on promised actions. Stay positive and approach your job search with integrity.

Prioritize

It’s all too easy to be distracted during an online job search. Remain focused. Identify the essential steps you need to take to achieve your goals. Write a marketing plan outlining the jobs you are interested in, the skills you possess, who you will contact and your target employers. Don’t under-estimate the power of networking. The majority of your time (say 75%) should be committed to connecting and networking with the people who will help you to find your next job. The remainder of your time should be dedicated to searching job boards, researching your target employers and contacting recruiters.

Help others

If you are unsuccessful in applying for a specific vacancy but one of your connections may be perfect for it, pay it forward. Networking in your job search is about give and take. You may be disappointed that you didn’t get the job but helping others will help you to feel better about yourself and open doors in the future.

You will find the right job

The secret is persistence, perseverance and not taking job rejection too personally.  There may be a skills shortage in specific sectors but hiring managers are still inundated with job applications across the board. Be realistic. If your resume doesn’t match the employer’s requirements, or demonstrate transferable skills, you’re unlikely to be invited for interview. Focus on vacancies and companies that are a match for your background and experience.

Ask for help

Don’t allow pride to get in the way of your need for help or a different perspective on your job search. No individual has all the answers. Practical, professional and personal support is vital to keep moving forward. Your next career move may not be clear to you but obvious to your colleagues or friends. What have you got to lose? If your job search has hit an obstacle don’t go it alone. Active networking and reaching out to others can help you to secure your next career move ahead of time.