How do you handle rejection in the job search? Do you need some down-time so that you can recoup your energy in order to refocus your job hunt? Staying motivated to push past the WALL of rejection is hard, but as long distance runners know, a lot of the motivation is mind over matter.

Many of us take a bit of time out when the going gets tough, but knowing how to handle this while on the job search is crucial. It’s not that easy to just ignore the situation and remain out of work. We need to feel good about ourselves by being productive. So, how does one stay motivated when faced with yet another resume re-write targeting a specific job or the derogatory rejection email that says thanks but NO THANKS?

Many people like to run and hide when that happens. Job seekers work long and hard on their applications only to have them summarily turned down without knowing the reason as to why. Anyone who has been out of work knows the frustration of the job hunt and the amazing number of rejections one amasses.

Here are some helpful tips that can make the time away from gainful employment easier:

• Network – stay connected to colleagues, organizations, follow the business news
• Skills Set – Personal Brand – identify and start working on marketing yourself
• Research the company to which you want to apply
• Target each resume to specific job applications
• Do research into the hidden job market
• Record all activities – including coffee meetings, conversations, emails, applications, resumes, results, networking, companies, and prospects
• Get social – connect to social media as a way of staying in touch while taking a break
• Take a break and don’t beat yourself up about it – you need to recharge your batteries – job hunting is FULL-TIME
• Talk to a professional – career coach, recruiter, talent scout, resume writer, etc.
• Re-evaluate your priorities
• Read books that can help
• Join a support group
• Listen to music to calm the nerves and rev you up for the job hunt
• Do something very different to take your mind off of the pressure of the search
• Set goals and make them achievable – e.g. today I will research three companies or three CEO’s
• Imagine going hiking and climbing that unbelievable hill – the power of mind over matter – The Little Engine That Could

When you start setting realistic goals and achieve them, suddenly the world will not seem like such a dark and scary place. Sometimes a jobseeker just needs to take perspective and see the long term picture. Plan ahead and work towards your dream – being gainfully employed.

Related to Staying Motivated Even During the Downtime:

• Dealing with Networking Nervosus
• Brand You – Who do you think you are?
• Social Networking Group – Finding a social network group