Inspiring Minds How to Boost Your Job Search Creativity

Inspiring Minds How to Boost Your Job Search Creativity Inspiring Minds How to Boost Your Job Search Creativity A clear desk. Laser-like focus. Setting a strict schedule. It seems that performing these activities would ensure job search success, cutting down the time that it would take you to job hunt and get hired. But as it turns out, some good ol’ fashioned daydreaming can be an even bigger ace in your job search arsenal than you might have thought. In the Fast Company story, “Seven Surprising Facts About Creativity, According to Science,” it seems that there’s no denying the benefits of relaxation as a means to creativity and overall success. We’ve culled some of the ideas from the article to help boost your job search creativity, and hopefully help you get hired a whole lot faster. How to Boost Your Job Search Creativity 1. Take a shower. Sure, you might be feeling down in the dumps when you don’t have a job. But bathing is a tried-and-true way to automatically feel better about yourself and also clear your mind. In the book Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind, it points out that 72 percent of people studied in a survey claimed that they had greater insight when they were taking a shower. Maybe it’s the steam, the warm water, or the womb-like environment that it creates, but bathing ranks high with helping people score new ideas. 2. Go solo. When you’re looking for a remote job (or even when you have one), isolation can be a big factor and an even bigger detriment to your mood. But as it turns out, being alone can also help spark new ideas. Although there’s something to be said for the spark of ideas that can be created in a group-like setting, for some more imaginative thinking, it’s often best to go it alone. So take a walk when you feel stuck on what to say in your cover letter, and see how refreshed, inspired, and ready to write you are when you return to your desk. 3. Try something new. It’s easy to get into a job searching rut. After all, you’re scanning job listings, looking at the same resume and cover letter every day, and clicking to send your job application. Rinse and repeat. So try something different with your job search today. Maybe you shake up your routine by breaking up the day with some exercise (also a good way to reconnect with your creative side), or go to a networking event either in person or online. When you try something new, your brain releases dopamine, which helps with learning and motivation. Go outside your comfort zone and try something new. 4. Trust your gut. We long for the day when we don’t have to write about job search scams, but sadly, they are still out there.  And there are a lot of them actually; it’s estimated that for every one real work-at-home job, there’s upward of nearly 100 job scams. That’s why it’s critical as you conduct your job search to trust your instincts. That job that seems too good to be true- you know, the one with the super high salary for not a lot of work, or the shifty hiring manager who wants to hire you on the spot without a formal interview, or the one who asks for your personal info (Social Security number, bank account info, address, and so on)- well, those are all signs of a job scam. So if there’s even a teensy, tiny bit of doubt that is lurking in your mind before you submit your job application, listen to it. You’re probably right. 5. Do daydream. Let’s face it: It can be boring to sit at your desk for hours at a time cranking out job applications in the hopes of catching a potential boss’ eye. And it can be downright depressing, too. That’s why you can (and should) take a Walter Mitty moment and daydream. It can be anything from watching adorable puppy videos, to taking a (very limited) Facebook break, to imagining yourself saying yes to a bonafide (and pretty fabulous) job offer. By daydreaming, you not only give your brain a much-needed break, but also you boost creative thinking, self-awareness, and positive long-term planning. Who knows- dabbling in daydreaming just might lead you to an epiphany that encourages a career change, or helps you better structure your job search. 6. Listen to others- and then ignore them. Some of the most well-known facts in today’s modern world were once thought of as heresy. So if you have an idea for what you want your next job to be, you might be met with some resistance, particularly if it’s not a popular notion among your friends and family. Remember, only you know what’s best for you, and if your entire family has office-bound jobs and you’re the only one looking for a full-time remote position, you might be told that it’s absolutely inconceivable that you’ll be able to work from home- and get paid for it. But keep on keeping on, job seekers. You should listen to their advice, but if in your heart of hearts you know that working remotely is right for you, don’t let anyone dissuade you from pursuing your professional (and personal) career goals. It’s great to infuse your job search with creative moments. They will help inspire you to try something new, give you the mental breaks that you need in order to relax, and also add momentum to keep your job search going strong. Start Your Job Search Readers, how do you boost your job search creativity? Let us know in the comments below!