​Job fatigue? It hits you like a grey cloud where you can no longer find the silver lining. The only way you see out (the job search) may feel like having to climb a mountain. Having to head scratch until you find your best qualities and remembering where you put your last CV are just the start to worrying about how to tackle such a project.

Without trying to teach you how to suck eggs, here are our tips to prepare yourself for your job search, giving you the best chance to stand out from the other hundreds of applications.

Start with perspective

Your mindset makes a huge impact on how you approach something. One of the things I always say to people going for interviews is to really believe that they are the best person for the job. When you are honest to yourself about this, your enthusiasm will shine through almost unknowingly.

Nicole Spector gives an interesting way to think about your job search. She says, approach your job hunt with the same enthusiasm, diligence and judgment as you did with your college applications, or even as if you’d have to pay for each application.

You might need to go a while back, but many of us remember visiting colleges or even university fairs to weigh up the differences and opportunities that each institution would give us. You had that one chance to select the college for you, how about thinking that way about your job too?

Find the best match for you

This brings me on to a key take away to be selective with where you apply. It wouldn’t be the best advice to post your CV to every job board or recruitment agency going. It just won’t cut it if you haven’t taken the time and effort to find the right fit for you.

Think of it as finding your perfect match. Just as you work hard to sell yourself, find the job that shares your values too. Another change of perspective yet again.

Make friends in specific places

In the research stage of your job search, you’ll have identified the key abilities that employers look for to soar in that sector. But what about the people themselves?

I use the word ‘friends’ in a professional manner of course. Okay, I’m basically saying network. However, I worry this is becoming more of a buzzword these days.

Former Editor and Creator of Idealist Careers, says 60% of your time should be spent networking. But, have you ever considered signing up to online publications or visiting the events that the industry you’re interested in are involved in?

Making friends in your industry you can also help you gain a real personal insight which can make your application a lot stronger. While I’m sure you’ll find someone who can give their advice, don’t forget to politely ask for their opinion on your CV, or what to do next. There’s nothing better than market testing your job search approach.

It's far better to talk to people about your career ideas and gather information than to send out a poorly drafted document, which will close more doors than it opens - John Lees, career coach and author.

Ask others to shout about you

When you’ve updated your CV and poured sweat and tears into your cover letter, you may feel like you’ve done all you can.

Wrong. In such a digital age where people rely on Google to tell them what’s in their local town, it would take them just seconds to search for your digital presence. Take care in building your personal brand.

While you may be tired of hearing about being careful with what you post on your social media channels, people often forget to think about what other people, companies or websites say about you.

Mark. S. Babbitt from YouTurn reminds us that we are in the ‘testimonial economy’, what we say about us doesn’t matter much. Instead, let others offer social proof of your qualifications.

What better way to do this than encourage former Managers and clients or customers to leave you a testimonial on LinkedIn. More LinkedIn tips.

Take a multi-channel approach

Last but definitely not the least. Now you’ve checked out your digital presence, it’s easier to remember that a CV and cover letter isn’t the only way you can support your job search.

Yes, we’re in a digital world but we’re all human behind those screens. Have we forgotten that doors are still there to be knocked on, and phone conversations still happen?

John Lees adds, not to kid yourself that spending all day in front of a computer screen is the best use of your time; get in front of people too.

When the ‘right job’ has another hundred applications it can be hard to stand out from the rest. Hopefully, you’ll find some advice here that you’ve not yet considered. For further advice and support, check out our Guide to job hunting success.