5 Ways To Avoid Burning Out When It Feels Like Your Job Hunt Will Never End

After being laid off almost two months ago, I proudly accepted a job offer I couldn't be more happy to take.

While it was difficult to remain optimistic after being let go, I know it can be even harder to stay positive during your job search when it feels like you can never land an interview.

For those who are out there trying to secure a position, I'd like to share some advice on what helped me remain optimistic throughout my job search:

1. Realize finding a job takes time.

You might initially feel optimistic when beginning your job search, but after a couple of weeks with little to no response from job posters, you might begin to feel discouraged. Securing a job does depend upon skill, but it also has a lot to do with timing.

You might be the most qualified candidate around, but the right job for you might not be available at the current moment. It's important to keep in mind that it may take you a few weeks or even a couple of months to land on the right job.

New positions are posted daily. The best you can do is submit your applications and stay motivated.

2. Network.

People know people. It's as simple as that.

If you are looking for a position in a specific field, bring it up in conversation with friends and colleagues. There's a good chance someone you know might be able to refer you to your dream position.

If that's not the case, a friend might even stumble upon a job posting that's perfect for you that you might not have seen yourself. Moral of the story: Spread the word.

3. Go the extra mile.

I also recommend networking with people you might not necessarily know through job sites like LinkedIn. If you see a position that really catches your eye and the job poster is noted, reach out to them with an email to express your interest.

Going that extra mile and making contact with someone at the company can make you stand out from the rest of the competition and put you on the job poster's radar.

4. Follow up.

Many companies handle their recruiting internally. There's a good chance the individual handling the hiring for your desired position has many other duties in addition to recruiting.

That being said, don't expect following up with you to be the top priority on their list.

Many times, a company says it will get back to you by a certain date, and its follow-up doesn't go according to plan. If you were expecting to hear back from a prospective employer by Monday, and Tuesday rolls along with no contact, send a cordial email to simply follow up on the status of the position.

Not only will you likely receive an update on where the company is at in the hiring process, but you'll also display your continued interest in the role.

5. Don't let rejection get you down.

There's a strong chance you won't be extended an offer for every position you apply to or interview for. When you receive rejection calls or emails, don't let them deter you from continuing your job search with an optimistic attitude.

When I was applying, I couldn't help but be a little bummed when a generic "we decided to pursue other candidates" email popped up in my inbox.

Sure, it's disappointing to discover you weren't selected for a position you really wanted, but it simply means it wasn't meant to be. The right job will come along at the right time.

Just continue your search with a positive mindset, and don't let the bumps along the way push you off track.

It's true when they say, "Finding a job is a full-time job."

It's important to keep in mind the process takes time. Whether it takes three weeks or three months, push past the rejection with an optimistic attitude and remain motivated.

Before you know it, you'll be proudly accepting a gleaming job offer.