Take a break!

The job search process seems never-ending. With the internet as a resource, there is always another website to search for positions to apply for on or another potential employer you could be researching. After you have applied for jobs, you may wait for months to hear back from potential employers. Or worse, they may never contact you with a courtesy call or email saying they have selected a different candidate. One of my internship mentors said it was 11 months between when he applied for a job and when he started work. Settle in for the long haul because it will take awhile. Especially with today's economy.

I read an article today that gave me some much-needed advice, though. If you are like me and a recent college graduate that moved back home with your parents for the disjointed transition between college and securing your first job in the real world, then I guarantee you your parents wouldn't share this advice. I think it is important, though. Are you anxiously awaiting this tidbit of advice yet? Well, here it is... Take a break! (I know the title gave it away.) Writing 50 cover letters a day, 7 days a week isn't going to lead to your best work. The article suggests taking a day or two off to do things you love so that you may return to your job search process refreshed and ready to tell a potential employer why they need you. 

I, however, propose a different idea. I have daily activities that break up the monotony of the job search. I enjoy running (particularly the endorphins I get from running), so I will take a break and go for a run. I had an extremely demanding course load during my last semester of college, and didn't have any time for leisurely reading. There are currently two shelves on my bookshelf full of books I want to read, so I take time each day to do just that. 

Develop a list of things you love doing for fun, and take a few breaks now and then!