All You Need To Know About Beating The Winter Job Search Blues

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For many of us, winter weather can have a nasty effect on our mood. It’s cold and gray outside, and you’re struggling with ways to stay motivated while looking for a job. You’ll take any job search tips you can to keep hope alive.

Well, here’s something that’ll warm your heart: a December 2015 survey from DHI found that 61 percent of hiring managers anticipate hiring more employees in the first half of 2016 than the last part of 2015.

The job you’ve been waiting for is out there. You’ve just to shake those job search blues and keep at it.

Here are four job search tips that will help get you out of that winter funk:

Use the buddy system

They say misery loves company, but the same is true about positivity. If you’re having a hard time staying focused, find a job search buddy that can encourage and support you.

Bringing someone else in on your career goals for the new year not only gives you someone to talk to when things get hard, it also makes you more accountable for your actions. Once you tell your job search buddy that you plan on applying for a job each week, they’ll hold you to it.

Turn to your former co-workers and professional references. They can be a valuable resource for finding opportunities and helping you identify strengths you might be underplaying during your search.

Harness the power of music

There are certain songs that make it impossible to feel down and out. Make yourself a motivational job search playlist. The right peppy melodies will help improve your mood and keep you focused.

A 2015 survey by BambooHR listed listening to music as one of the top five activities that enhance performance. In fact, 34 percent of employees believe listening to music makes them more productive. Right now the search is your job, so find some quality tunes and get to work.

Get some sun

This is not only one of the best job search tips, but also the secret to making it through the worst winter blues. According to WebMD, seasonal affective disorder, or the increased sadness some people experience during the winter, can be alleviated with bright light.

Yes, it’s cold outside, but getting out of the house and soaking up what little sun there is will make you feel better. Take occasional breaks from your job search and go for a walk. Or if you live where it’s just too cold to go outside, drawback the curtains and let the rays brighten up your nicely heated home.

Try something new

Sometimes the monotony of doing the same thing over and over again can make you feel blue. Adding a bit of variety to your job search might be just what you need to get excited again.

Overhaul your LinkedIn profile, create a video resume, or attend a networking event in order to meet new people. That new ingredient you add into the mix just might be what leads you to a job offer.

What other job search tips can keep job seekers motivated during the winter? Share in the comments below!