Preparing for the Hunt: Reminders for a Healthy Job Search

Let's get one thing straight: looking for a new job is a full-time job. And not usually one with many benefits.

If you're like me and trying to settle back into the new normal of job hunting, here are my recommendations:

1. Maintain your routine!

Sticking to a schedule similar to your previous or preferred working hours may seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to get lost scrolling job boards late into the night. Don't fall into the trap of feeling uninspired and unproductive in the morning. When you have those days, your routine will help make it suck a little less. Having a cat will help with this, as they will remember a schedule and hold you accountable however they deem fit.

2. Your workspace works for you.

With my newfound freedom, I like to switch up my workspace location a few times a week and head to coffee shops with friends or alone, but I always make sure my workspace at home is functional, even if it's the only spot in the house. (These first two are the hardest for me, but I'm making them my top priorities!)

3. Recalibrate your focus.

What projects or industries are you interested in learning more about? As a creative, you need to show what you know, but you should also include even the hypothetical work you'd like to be doing more of. They can't hire you for your dream job if you don't show them you're capable.

4. Stay in touch with your network.

Posting updates and staying active on networking sites, recruiting sites, and within your local area can help catapult you into your next potential employer. Don't underestimate the power of a personal follow-up or a chat with another job-seeker to swap pointers and potential contacts.

5. Make time for your personal pursuits.

I also have that little voice in my head every moment of the day telling me I should be applying for that never-ending list of saved jobs, but it's okay to make time for your personal creative pursuit. Take more photos, produce that zine, write a short story - whatever you do, do it for you. It might be the thing that gets you noticed!

And last but not least, help and uplift your fellow creatives in their searches and pursuits. I firmly believe it all comes back around, and the help you give to others will find you again when you need it most.

Healthy hunting!