-3D: The Negative Three D's of the Job Search to avoid

You've applied for dozens of jobs, gone to several networking groups, even cold-called- but after several weeks, still nothing.  The few interviews you scored did not pan out- a bad match, the job was put on hold, or whatever.  This is when the -3Ds begin...

Depression

After a few weeks is when the depression and frustration start to set in. You will feel like all the effort is futile, and you will want to give up.  You just want to sleep late, or watch TV and veg out.  After all, why bother? Nothing you do is having any effect.

Solution

The simplest solution may sound cliche, but it's true- don't give up. Keep plugging along. Do something to distract your attention that is not related to the job search- talk to someone, check your email, work a puzzle.  Just make sure you get back to the search.

Distraction

Doing the job search from home is very convenient, especially since you don't have to pay for gas.  But there is so much else to do around the house, like cleaning the garage or caulking the shower.  Your spouse or significant other is there, and so are you, so why not spend some quality time together?  You won't have this opportunity again, so take advantage of it.

Solution

Set a quiet place where you can call / send emails or resumes with little or no interruption. Make sure to reinforce the importance of finding a job, quickly, to your SO or roommate. Keep the radio turned off (or tuned to classical music) and limit your Internet browsing.

Disorganization

With the tedium of sending out dozens of resumes and emailing so many recruiters and network contacts, it is easy to lose track of who's who and where's where.  The company names all start to seem the same- Did I already apply to TechCo?  Or was it TechNet? Which recruiter sent me the job information?

Solution

Keep a spreadsheet of your job calls, contacts, and resumes sent. Organize your email into folders to help keep track of them.