How to overcome the discouragement in your job search?

I was reading an article on Fortune.com named “Keep the job-search blues at bay” by Anne Fisher (http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/03/news/economy/job.search.discouraged.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2009060409), which talks about not giving up, and some tips to get moving again. It reminds me about my own personal situation now. I still have my job, but I almost gave up my efforts to find a job in my husband’s city. Of course, there is a significant difference between my situation and people who got laid off or just come out of school that desperately need a job to stay in US. However, I think there are some similarities in term of solutions。Here are my 2-cents:

1. Treat it like a full time job: If you are looking for a job, the search itself is a full-time job. This is an important mindset and commitment. It requires your attention, dedication, and a lot of time. My suggestion is to set aside 4 hours per day to conduct all job hunting related activities, such as polish/customize your resume and cover letter, keep in touch with your network contacts, search and apply job online.
2. Develop a detailed action plan: as the article said, you should develop a daily action plan. Make a list of each hour’s activity. It is easier to follow if you have a plan.
For example:
9-9:30 am: watch news (business and industry)
9:30-10 am: research job openings and company info
10-12 am: customize resume and cover letter based on the job description
12-1:30 am: lunch break
1:30-3:00 am: find/contact people in your network who can introduce or work for the target companies
3. Focus on what you can do better rather than negative emotions: Ok, let’s face it. The environment is very hash for our foreign workers, and job hunting has become much more difficult. There are hopes, rejections, and there are many disappointments, frustration, and other negative feelings throughout the whole process. Sometimes, it may be tempting to just give up looking in this tough job market, or feel depressed. However, remember we simply cannot change the big environment, and there are very few things we can do to change companies' hiring policy or selection. What we can do is learn to deal and cope with it. That said, instead of focusing on your negative emotions after rejections, you should focus on the lessons you learn from the interview process, and what you can do better next time around. Sharpen your weapons for the next battle, rather than cry for the lost battle. Sometimes, there is no need to take it too personal.
4. Find someone to share and support you: It is very important to find someone can understand your feeling and job hunting experience (you can email me J), as well as someone can cheer you up and be happy for your achievement. Emotion is a critical part of job hunting. In order to overcome the discouragimg reality, you need mental support. Your family, friends, class-mates are good candidates to share your job hunting experience. It is a bonding time with them, love is a powerful motivation.
5. Keep eyes on the goals and your dream: Don’t let yourself forget your goals in the long run, and don’t forget your dream. Remind yourself every day, what is important to you, and why you fight hard for them.
6. Give yourself a break!! I know job hunting is exhausting, and can be depressing from time to time. Therefore, you need to give yourself a break once a while. Taking your mind off job hunting for a while is a good way to recharge yourself. Read a book, watch a movie or tv show, or take a short trip with your love ones. Switch your mind to other things in life are important for you.

In summary, job hunting is a phase of our career life, and everyone has to face it. In the current market, the process is going be to longer than usual. As an oversea Chinese, we are facing more obstacles. So we need fight harder, and work harder. Write to me, if you want to. J