How to Stay Motivated in a Tough Market - Practical Advice for Candidates

The job market is more competitive than it’s been for years. With fewer vacancies in some sectors and an increase in applicants per role, it’s taking longer for candidates to secure interviews and offers, even for those with strong CVs and relevant experience.

If your job search feels frustratingly slow, you’re not alone. Many candidates, even highly experienced, well-qualified professionals, are facing longer waits for feedback, more rejections and less certainty than they’re used to. However, despite the challenges, there are practical steps you can take to stay motivated, maintain momentum and improve your chances of success.

What’s Happening in the Market?

Many candidates are experiencing:

• Fewer vacancies, particularly in previously fast-moving sectors like admin, marketing and HR roles
  
  
• Longer waits between application, interview and offer
  
  
• A more competitive environment, with more people chasing each opportunity
  
  
• Roles being delayed, paused, restructured or cancelled altogether
  
  
• Fewer responses to applications, even for well-matched roles
  
  
• Limited communication or feedback from employers.
  
  

Much of this is down to internal factors within the business, such as budget reviews, hiring freezes, restructures or the decision to recruit internally. These are things outside your control rather than anything to do with your skills or suitability, and while it can be disheartening, there are ways to improve your job search strategy.

Practical Steps You Can Take

While you can’t change the job market, you can still make small, strategic changes to give yourself the best chance of success.

Here’s how you can stay proactive and positive:

1. Tailor every application – customise your CV and cover letter to each individual role, making sure they clearly match the job description and reflect your specific skills and experience. Highlight your achievements and outcomes, not just your responsibilities, using keywords and terminology from the job description. A well-matched application stands out far more than a generic one.

2. Follow up professionally – if you haven’t heard back within 10–14 days after submitting an application or having had an interview, it’s worthwhile sending a brief, polite follow-up email. It shows that you’re proactive and engaged and reminds employers of your interest and professionalism. It also keeps the lines of communication open and might help move things along.

3. Be open to temporary or contract roles – short-term positions can help you stay active in the job market, gain experience, boost your confidence and build networks, and can sometimes lead to longer-term opportunities. They also allow you to demonstrate initiative and adaptability, both qualities that employers value. (That being said, if you’re already in permanent employment, it’s often advisable to secure a new role before leaving your current one, unless you’re lucky enough to be in a position to be able to take time out. Gaps can raise questions and add pressure in an already tough market.)

4. Upskill – identify gaps in your skillset and take action. Whether it’s a short online course, webinar or volunteering, upskilling can keep your confidence high and your CV competitive. Free platforms such as FutureLearn, Coursera or LinkedIn Learning can help you stay engaged and boost your chances.

5. Use your network – get in touch with former colleagues, managers or industry contacts and ask them about any opportunities that aren’t being publicly advertised.

6. Optimise your online presence – make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and clearly aligned with the roles that you’re targeting. Use your profile to showcase your skills and career goals and consider sharing relevant content to increase your visibility. You can also add a headline and summary that reflect your strengths, and consider asking for endorsements from former colleagues and/or managers.

NB: For complete consistency and to avoid omitting any relevant skills or experience, your LinkedIn profile should match your CV – it's surprising how often they don't!

7. Focus your search – rather than sending out dozens of generic applications, identify a shortlist of well-matched roles each week and spend time getting each one right. Not only is it more effective and less draining, you’ll also have a better chance of making it through to interview stage.

8. Work with a recruiter – A good recruiter who knows the sector and understands the market can give you valuable insight into what’s happening in your chosen area. They’ll also be able to suggest roles that may not be advertised, support you with refining your CV, give you honest feedback, help prepare you for interviews and offer you personalised support throughout the process.

Specialised support, such as we offer here at Allen Associates, can also highlight your transferable skills and cultural fit, which are often difficult to self-define in a direct application. This will give you a better chance of standing out among a large and increasing pool of candidates.

Managing Your Time and Energy

Searching for a job can feel like a full-time occupation in itself and burnout is a real risk, especially when progress is slow. To enhance your physical and mental wellbeing, it helps if you build a routine, allowing time for rest and non-work-related activities, and set small, clear, achievable weekly goals such as a certain number of applications made, contacts created or time spent on job search activities.

You should also take regular breaks, making time for rest and also for things that lift your energy, whether that’s exercise, time spent with family or friends or simply getting outside.

In addition, make sure that you track your own progress and celebrate any small wins.

Stay Motivated

Rejections and delays are difficult to deal with but they’re not always personal. It’s completely normal to feel discouraged if they keep happening, but try not to let them knock your confidence. Often, these decisions are based on internal factors, not on your capability.

Every application and interview is a learning experience and adds to your personal worth. Focus on what you can control and take small, consistent steps towards your goal. The right opportunity is out there and you’ll be ready when it comes, but it may just take more time and perseverance than you’re used to. Keep learning, keep showing up and keep being open to new possibilities.

And, if you’re considering a career change, it’s worth seeking guidance on how realistic that might be in the current market. Some sectors are far more accessible than others and you may need to adjust your expectations. We’re happy to help with that reality check and provide practical advice based on what we’re seeing day to day.

Finally, if you need advice, market insight or support with your applications, we’re here whenever you’re ready. For more information about how Allen Associates can help you stay motivated in these tough times, contact us.