10 game-changing habits to make your job hunt bearable

Job seekers are having a rough ride at the moment. Decent opportunities are few and far between, competition is high and the application process is getting ever more elaborate. But there are ways to cope with these challenges, and a few smart habits can make all the difference. Drawing on insight from recruiters at Craft and Represent as well as creative coach April Brown, we share some practical tips to help you stay afloat in your job search.

Some leave you waiting for months before replying. Others string you along with test after test, only to ghost you completely. Yet, you want – no, need – their approval and would jump through hoops just to prove yourself to them. Sounds like a toxic relationship? It’s worse. Welcome to the ordeal that is job searching.

Not knowing where to start or feeling nervous about being judged is just the tip of the iceberg. Far more stressful than that is all the time spent tweaking resumes, doing lengthy tasks and having endless rounds of interviews. Job searching has always been a fraught affair, but as data reveals a frozen labour market that’s capped the pace of new hiring, it’s now reaching a whole other level of frustrating.

So, what can you do to survive the process? A lot of factors are beyond your control, but small, healthy habits can provide a sense of stability and lead to incremental progress over time. Drawing on advice from three industry pros, here are 10 practices to help you cope with common job-searching pain points.

Getting things in order

1. Set micro-goals

It’s normal to feel somewhat lost when you’re hunting for a job. Your end goal may be clear, but the path to get there? Not so much, especially since many decisions are out of your hands. Proactively setting small, achievable goals can help you regain a sense of direction.

“If you’re feeling bogged down by the process, aim for one application per day, or even every other day,” James McLearie from Represent suggests. Breaking your search down into manageable chunks clears the fog and gives you a clearer sense of progress.

2. Structure your routine

Another challenge is the lack of structure. Days spent at your laptop blend into each other, as applications take anything from five minutes to five hours to put together. Instead of a sporadic, scatter-gun approach, try creating a daily schedule that outlines when you’ll focus on specific tasks.

Tom Litherland, principal recruiter at Craft recommends setting time limits to avoid going down a job search “black hole”, as well as following up on applications after two to three days so that you aren’t left with an open-ended “what if?”

Coping with rejection

3. Ask for feedback

Nobody likes rejection. Unfortunately, job searching didn’t get the memo. But rejection doesn’t have to be seen as proof of failure: you can build on it by asking for feedback to refine your portfolio, CV and interview skills.

That doesn’t mean conforming to every comment, though. Take on constructive feedback and leave the rest. “You’re just aiming to be the best version of you,” Tom says, “and that will be perfect for the right employer.”

4. Celebrate the small wins

Also, remember that rejection is not a zero-sum game. As James puts it, “Got an interview but not a job offer? That’s a win in itself. It means your work stood out. A reply to say they’re not looking right now? Great, follow up with them in a month or two to check back in.”

Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and recognise any progress you’ve made. All the small steps are leading you closer to the right opportunity, and celebrating them helps you stay motivated even when things don’t go as planned.

Avoiding burnout

5. Be selective about your efforts

It’s tempting to apply for anything you’re even vaguely qualified for when the pressure to find a job is high. But playing the numbers game can quickly leave you exhausted. Sending out fewer applications of higher quality, on the other hand, helps conserve your energy and often increases your chances of success since you’re putting more thought into them. “Remember that one size doesn’t fit all,” Tom advises, “so tailor your application to the company you are applying for.”

6. Take time to recharge

Consistency is key in job searching. Staying consistent, however, requires pacing yourself. “Trying to balance job hunting, portfolio building, and maybe a side hustle to keep the lights on is a massive juggling act,” offers creative career coach April Brown. “Burnout's a real risk when you're working non-stop.”

To avoid tiring yourself out, balance your job search with activities that recharge you, such as meditation, exercise or your hobbies. These will help you maintain momentum while protecting your mental and physical health.

Enhancing your growth

7. Continue to hone your skills

The thick of the job search can feel like Groundhog Day: wake up, find vacancies, upload your CV, tweak your cover letter, rinse and repeat. To break out of that loop, dedicate time to working on your own craft – be it through freelance gigs or personal projects – as this keeps your skills sharp. “If your portfolio feels stagnant or you’ve stepped away from the tools, it can be easy to lose confidence in your place in the industry,” cautions James.

8. Expand your network

Your job search is also an opportune time to make new connections. Try reaching out to companies, speaking to recruiters, or showing up to in-person events.

“Finding a mentor can be incredibly valuable too,” April says. “Even if they're too busy to shadow, ask if they'd be up for a quick coffee to chat.” Meeting others in your industry can teach you new things and even lead to potential opportunities.

Dealing with self-doubt

9. Reach out to your support system

Job searching is a difficult experience in itself, but it’s often made worse by how isolating it gets. If you’re alone all day with negative self-talk chattering in your mind, it’s easy to spiral into distress and self-doubt.

Reaching out to people you trust or connecting with fellow job seekers can provide perspective, encouragement, or just a reminder that you’re not in this alone. Problems can seem daunting in isolation, but being seen and heard by others can go a long way. 

10. Find other sources of self-worth

Perhaps the most confronting part of the job search is how much it erodes your sense of self. We tend to define our identities by our accolades, so not having a job can be a source of shame. But you’re more than the titles you wear, and you shouldn’t weigh your value against others, whether in person or online. “It's just not fair to yourself,” says April. “Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.” There are many aspects to you, so focus on what you have instead of fixating only on what you think you lack.

And remember, you're doing your best!

While these habits can help you through the challenges of job searching, it’s not about perfecting them or getting everything right. Focus on doing your best, move at your own pace, and keep going even when it feels like everything is pushing back against you. Progress isn’t always immediate, but every small action stacks up, each one bringing you just a little closer to where you’re meant to be.