Adapted from CNBC’s Work It newsletter on LinkedIn.

How many times have you found yourself saying, “I need a new job,” and then failing to take any action? Or perhaps you’ve embarked on a new job search with optimism only to see it stall out? There’s only one word that aptly describes this situation: Stuck. We’ve all been there. So, how do you break free from this state of stagnation?

First and foremost, you need to pinpoint where and how you’re held up. Are you struggling to kickstart your job search, or are you facing a lack of interview opportunities and job offers? As career coach Natalie Fisher wisely puts it, “There could be somebody who’s sending in 400 applications and they could say they feel stuck, and there’s somebody who’s on the other end of the spectrum saying, ‘I haven’t sent anything in because I don’t know what I want and I don’t know what to do and I don’t know what to write, and I just feel like if I take a step it might be wrong, and I’m scared to take any steps.'”

Regardless of your situation, it’s easy to become disheartened and spiral into self-doubt and hopelessness. But here’s the great news – none of that negativity is necessary or helpful. There are indeed ways to get unstuck.

If you’re struggling to even begin your job search, Fisher recommends asking yourself some fundamental questions:

• What are you avoiding?
• What are you afraid of?
• What is the root of the problem?
• What’s the worst-case scenario if you send that application?

Chances are, your worst-case scenario is simply maintaining your current situation, so there’s really no substantial risk. However, we often fail to rationalize it this way and get caught up in fear of rejection or judgment, paralyzing ourselves from taking any action.

Many times, we hinder our own progress, either due to perfectionism or a fear of rejection, and this inaction prevents us from moving forward. If you’re actively searching for a job but not making headway, Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng breaks it down into three key areas where you might be stuck:

1. Identifying which jobs to pursue.
2. Securing interviews.
3. Progressing from interviews to job offers.

Getting caught in a downward spiral is common during a job search, where you start feeling bad about what you’re not achieving and then feel worse about feeling bad. In essence, you’re just stuck.

So, how do you get unstuck? According to Ng, you need to establish a general direction first. Without direction, you can’t tailor your resume, speak convincingly in an interview, or maintain motivation. Ng advises asking yourself these four questions if you’re stuck at the first stage of deciding which jobs to pursue:

• Where do I genuinely want to work?
• What do I truly want to do?
• Where do I see myself long-term, and which next role would align with my long-term goals?
• Where do I have the best chances of success?

Ng emphasizes that a successful job search involves aligning your desires with the positions where you have the best odds of landing a job. It’s crucial to bridge the gap between your college dreams and the reality of securing the job you want. This entails considering your relevant experience, connections, and introductions within your desired field.

When deciding which jobs to apply for, Ng suggests asking yourself these questions and focusing your search on roles that align with your answers:

• What have I done that I’d like to do more of?
• Where do I have personal connections?
• Where can I obtain introductions through my network?

Regarding networking, Ng recommends identifying and rekindling relationships as a way to open doors. Rather than solely relying on website applications, consider leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals at your target companies and engage in meaningful conversations.

Fisher emphasizes that many people become stuck because they stick to a single approach. They think they need to send more applications when, in reality, they might need to try a different strategy. Exploring alternative avenues, like connecting with individuals rather than blindly submitting applications, can be more effective.

If you’re stuck at the second stage of securing interviews, the issue may lie with your resume or cover letter, as suggested by Ng. Here are some tips for crafting an attention-grabbing resume:

• Focus on highlighting achievements and quantifiable results rather than just listing job responsibilities.
• Tailor your resume to mirror the job description, incorporating keywords and specific role functions mentioned in the job posting.
• Emphasize your leadership and management skills, even if you weren’t in a managerial position.

For those who find themselves stuck at the third stage of progressing from interviews to job offers, research and practice are key. Consider the following interview tips to help you land the job:

• Over-prepare by building a comprehensive dossier for each company you interview with. This will demonstrate your knowledge of the organization’s leadership team, achievements, and financial aspects, enabling you to ask thoughtful questions.
• Practice your elevator pitch and prepare concise answers to commonly asked questions, highlighting your achievements and quantifiable results.
• Be honest about what you don’t know, as trying to conceal gaps in your knowledge can backfire.

To make companies eager to hire you, Fisher suggests using specific job interview phrases that highlight your strengths and abilities. Additionally, consider bringing a professional portfolio showcasing your accomplishments to demonstrate your value during the interview.

Lastly, remember that progress is more important than perfection. Staying in motion is crucial to overcoming stagnation. Whether it’s taking a class, networking with others, reading, or listening to podcasts, keep moving forward. Ask yourself, “What’s next?” as you stay in motion, and you may stumble upon the right path to propel you forward.

While job searches can be challenging and time-consuming, it’s essential not to settle for less than what you truly desire. As Ng advises, “The job search can be a real drag, especially if you’ve been at it for some time. After one too many rejections, it can be easy to think, ‘Heck… I’ll just take anything at this point.’ Tough times are not the time to lower your standards for the sake of lowering your standards; they’re the time to (a) be realistic and (b) focus.”