It’s always challenging to search for a new employment opportunity. The longer it takes to find a job, the more likely you are to experience job search frustration, on top of all the time and effort you will have to put into the search itself. While 35% of those seeking employment are successful after 5 weeks, another 35% have to look for work for 15 weeks or more. Is it any surprise that the vast majority of people looking for a job always feel like they’re on the point of exhaustion?
No matter how brief, a job hunt can take an emotional toll. For many people, the stress of being unemployed and the frustration of constantly seeking a new job are two sides of the same coin. But you can’t afford to allow your worries and doubts to color your job hunt in any way. That’s why we’re here to offer you a read on five ways to ease job-hunting frustrations.
What Does Job Hunting Mean?
Job hunting is the process of actively looking for employment. This usually involves researching job opportunities, creating a resume and cover letter, applying for jobs, networking with recruiters, and utilizing job boards to search for available positions. The job search process can be time consuming and require much effort, but it’s worth it when you find the right job. Proactively searching for jobs is key; staying organized and keeping track of your applications is also essential. Following these steps will help you navigate the job hunt effectively and efficiently to find the job that best fits your needs.
Is “Job Search Depression” Real?
Job search depression is a real phenomenon. It can happen to anyone struggling to find a job during this pandemic, especially with the rise of covid-19 cases. Job hunting has become more complicated, and finding a job can be overwhelming. This can lead to a pessimistic outlook and feeling down about your job search – it’s not just about finding a job but also how it affects other areas of your life.
As our career is often part of our identity, it makes sense that depression can happen when job applications don’t work out. We feel like we have failed somehow. The reality is that depression is accurate, and no matter what you look for in terms of employment, depression happens when you feel hopeless about your prospects. Whether you are facing unemployment or just feeling overwhelmed by your current job search process, it’s important to remember that seeking help for depression is always an option.
What Are Some Reasons for Job Search Anxiety?
Job search anxiety is a widespread feeling during the job search process. It can be caused by many things, such as hearing back from hiring managers or not hearing back. You might feel discouraged if you’ve sent out your resume and cover letter but have yet to get a response. You may also worry that the hiring manager won’t think you’re suitable for the job and won’t want to hire you.
All these worries can create immense pressure during the job search process, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious when looking for a new job. The best way to combat this anxiety is to focus on the positives and remember that someone out there wants to hire you – you just have to find them!
Ways to Handle the Job-Seeking Frustration
Get Specific With Your To-Do List
Creating a to-do list is a great way to stay on track with your job search. It can help you break down daunting tasks into manageable and specific functions that are easier to handle. Start by planning what needs to be done daily, such as updating your resume, applying for jobs, and writing cover letters. Then decide which of those tasks you will do each day and add them to your list. By being specific with your to-dos, you’ll have an easy reference point for tracking your progress and moving closer to achieving your goal of getting a job offer.
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
When you are in the process of finding a new job, it is crucial to tailor your resume for each particular job you are applying for. This means carefully reading through the job description and job postings to understand the qualities and experience the recruiter is looking for. Once you have a clear understanding of what they are looking for, make sure that your resume reflects those qualities and experiences.
You should also include relevant keywords from the job posting to ensure that your resume stands out from other applicants. Paying attention to detail and ensuring that your resume matches the specific requirements of each job you apply for will significantly improve your chances of success during your job search.
Prepare for All Job Interviews
When preparing for job interviews, job seekers should take the time to accurately analyze the job opportunities they are applying for. This will help them determine if they have the proper skill set and attitude that best fits the job description. Having a positive attitude and being confident in one’s own skill set can be beneficial during job interviews.
Additionally, taking time to research the company and familiarize oneself with its background and culture is essential. This can give job seekers an edge over others during the interview process. Furthermore, practicing ahead of time with mock interviews or friends and family can help build up confidence when facing actual interviews. All these measures together can increase a job seeker’s chances of finding the right fit in their job search.
Take Some Break
Though it’s essential to push oneself to new limits to reach new heights, remember that you can’t do it all at once. There’s a temptation to overwork to reduce the time spent job hunting, but this can backfire. Committing too much too quickly can be overwhelming, and speed might come at the sacrifice of quality. This highlights the significance of setting realistic goals and making space in your schedule for breaks whenever necessary.
A straightforward way to accomplish this when job searching is to schedule regular break times. A great strategy to avoid exhaustion is to give yourself an hour to relax by reading, taking a stroll, or doing something else you enjoy. However, you may also need to take a break from your job search for a while. Similarly to how working nonstop can become draining, spending too much time actively seeking new employment can lead to exhaustion. A mental collapse caused by stress would delay you far more than some time off would.
Seek Constructive Criticism from Your Supporters
Constructive criticism is essential for personal growth, and it is crucial to seek it out from your supporters. You can use constructive criticism to improve many areas of your life, such as your resume, public speaking abilities, and overall outlook. It is much needed to propel yourself forward and achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
With a positive mindset and facing criticism head-on, you can take it as an opportunity to improve yourself. If you have support from those around you, don’t be afraid to ask for their honest opinions about how you can improve in any area you are striving towards. Constructive criticism will help guide you in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to seek that much-needed advice from your supporters.
Takeaway
The job search is a long and sometimes arduous process, and it often takes longer than expected to find the right new job. It’s essential to be realistic about the effort needed to find the right opportunity and make sure you’re applying for positions that align with the correct skill set. Even though it can feel like an uphill battle, continuing your job search and dedicating yourself to finding the perfect fit will eventually lead you down a path to success. Don’t give up hope; that much-needed new job is waiting for you!