Keeping Positive During The Job Search

Searching for a nonprofit job during these tough times can be a real test for your self esteem. If you are like most Americans, you spend day after day applying for jobs only to be rejected or -- even worse -- not hear back. How is one supposed to stay positive during the job search?

The first thing you need to realize is that this is a completely natural feeling. All job hunters will feel down at one point or another, it's just the nature of the beast. Therefore, the first step to keeping up your self esteem is to acknowledge there is to not blame yourself for this predicament. As long as you are doing all you can to get a job, there is no reason to think you are at fault.

Here are three other tips to get you back on a positive train of thought:

• Stay Realistic: The nature of today's job market is very competitive. Acknowledging to yourself that it's going to be very tough to get the job of your dreams will help you become more relaxed, and will help erase those feelings of despair should you get a rejection letter.
• Hang Out With Other Job Seekers: Meet regularly with friends who are also looking for work. You can use this time to share stories and blow off steam. It's much better to vocalize your frustrations with people in a similar situation than to internalize them.
• Stay Active: The worst thing you can do when feeling down is to wait for others to contact you. Use LinkedIn to find out if you know anybody who has connections at the organization you wish to join. If you do, find out if they can give you a leg up on the competition.