One of the hardest things to do when you are unemployed is to be motivated when you have had so many knock backs for work. I mean, you can start to feel like you have nothing to offer after a while.

Lack of motivation is a barrier in itself in employment and finding your dream job. You start to not do anything because you feel it’s no use and you can get disillusioned.

Research into what opportunities are in your area is a good step before your job search. Say if you wanted to get into graphic design. List five graphic design companies that you think would be great to work at. There is a reason for five. This number gives you enough scope to give contingency plans if one or two companies reject you and enough scope for you to know that these are the select few out of all the graphic design employers that you would dream to work at.

If this approach doesn’t work, it may indicate that you don’t have enough experience to get your foot in the door. You may decide to look into volunteer work. Many people do unpaid work experience, it looks good on any resume.

Lack of motivation comes from not doing anything. Action on your part is the key. Speak to people in the industry that you want to work in. Send emails to ask for advice to get a break. Talk to a careers advisor that can help you with different angles to get you to where you want to be. This might enlighten you and arm you with more knowledge instead of continuing to hit your head against a brick wall. As above said, if you get a rejection notice, ask about work experience.

One of the strategies that I use when I feel de-motivated is exercise.

Do what you feel like doing in what re-energises you. Swimming, Running, weights, whatever you choose this will allow you to clear your mind and focus into the future.