My job search is taking forever and I’m feeling demoralized. What can I do?

Marta Hanson is an Empower Work advisor and peer counselor committed to helping workers thrive. She writes about topics that come up on Empower Work's free, confidential text line, both to support workers and to encourage new volunteers to join the Empower Work community.

Is your job search stretching on? Are you scrolling job boards late into the night, putting in hundreds of applications still having no luck? Have you been ghosted by employers, overlooked when you thought you nailed the interview, or passed over for reasons that make no sense? 

Long job searches can be exhausting and downright demoralizing. But if this is where you are right now, you’re not alone. 

You’re not alone.

Every day, Empower Work hears from people navigating the same frustration and fear. When you’re in the thick of it, the rejections—or worse, the silence—can take a toll on your confidence, your mental health, and your hope for what comes next.

One texter recently shared: “I left my job in September 2023 and I have been unemployed ever since. I have been on several interviews and even ghosted for potential interviews. I’m so clueless and hopeless about my future.”

But there are ways to move forward. Read on for a few strategies that might help when your job search feels endless. 

Keep in mind that not all of these will be relevant for your situation — these are some general tips. We encourage you to talk to a peer counselor about your unique situation.

Tip #1: Reframe the Narrative

When it feels like nothing is happening, it’s easy to think, “I must be doing something wrong”. But the reality is: job searches take time. The average job hunt can stretch two to six months—and longer in an uncertain economy (including much of what we’re hearing now). That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re navigating a system that’s often opaque, slow, and impacted by factors outside your control.

Try shifting your inner dialogue from “Why isn’t this working?” to “What is within my control right now?” It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how you approach the process.

Tip #2: Refocus Your Energy

If you’ve been applying to dozens of jobs a week with no response, it may be time to step back and look at how you’re spending your time. Sending out tons of generic applications is tempting when you’re feeling desperate. But sometimes, less is more.

Try narrowing your search to roles that truly match your strengths and interests. Tailor your resume and cover letter specifically to those positions. Instead of applying to 15 jobs in a day, focus on 3 to 5 that really fit, and spend more time customizing your materials.

Also: don’t underestimate the power of your network! Email 3 people to let them know you’re looking. Ask for introductions with people in your field. Schedule a few informational interviews. Even a 15-minute conversation with someone in your field can lead to your next opportunity.

Tip #3: Check Where You’re Stuck

Take a moment to assess where your job search is breaking down. Are you not getting interviews? Maybe your resume needs tweaking. Are you getting interviews but no offers? Practicing your responses with a friend or peer counselor might help. Are you applying for roles where you’re consistently missing a key skill? It could be worth investing in a short course or certification.

Job hunting isn’t just about sending out applications—it’s a cycle of trying, learning, and adjusting. Getting clear on where you’re stuck can help you feel more in control.

Tip #4: Create Structure and Celebrate Small Wins

One of the hardest parts of a long job search is the lack of structure. It’s easy to lose motivation when the days start to blur together. Creating a loose routine—even just a few hours a day dedicated to job search activities, maybe at the local library or a favorite coffee shop—can help create structure and bring back a sense of agency.

At the same time, celebrate every small win, and every step forward. This includes updating your resume, landing an informational interview, identifying a new opportunity, or even just sending out one more tailored application when you didn’t feel like it. These are all signs of forward motion.

Tip #5: Take Care of YOU

This might sound obvious—but when you’re job searching, especially for a long time, it’s easy to forget: you are more than your employment status.

Take breaks. Move your body. Go to a free event in your community. Volunteer. Journal. Do something that reminds you of who you are outside of work. These things don’t distract from your job search—they help refuel your energy so you can keep going.

And most importantly, talk to someone. Feeling demoralized is a natural response to a hard situation. You don’t have to carry it alone.

We’re Here For You

If your job search is wearing you down, and you need someone to talk to—whether it’s for perspective, encouragement, or just a place to vent—we’re here. At Empower Work, our trained peer counselors offer free, confidential support by text message.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Text 510-674-1414 or start a web chat for free, confidential support.

*Note: Empower Work provides non-legal support for workplace challenges. This information, while authoritative, is not legal advice or guaranteed for legality. Employment laws and regulations vary by state. We recommend consulting with state resources for specific interpretation and decisions. If you believe you were discriminated against in violation of the law, we recommend you seek legal advice.