Five ways you can reduce job search anxiety
Are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your job search? You’re not alone. Many job seekers struggle with job search anxiety, especially when the process feels long and daunting.
After the pandemic, many job seekers are facing an even more competitive job market, which can add to the stress of searching for a job.
Fortunately, there are many strategies that you can use to reduce your job search anxiety and make the process more manageable. In this article, we’ll discuss some actionable tips on how to reduce your job search anxiety and make sure you’re in a good place mentally when applying for jobs.
How mental health impacts your job search
It’s important to understand the connection between mental health and job search success. Job searching can be a very mentally draining process, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Feeling stressed or anxious can have a negative effect on your motivation, focus, and clarity of thought – all of which are essential for successful job searches.
If left unchecked, anxiety may cause you to procrastinate in completing crucial job search tasks such as writing resumes or preparing for interviews. This can lead to further stress and frustration when results don’t come quickly enough.
Five ways you can reduce job search anxiety
It’s important to take steps toward managing your job search anxiety in order to stay motivated and productive throughout your job search. And to help you, we have compiled five tips to reduce job search anxiety.
1) Make sure your resume is up-to-date
The first step in any successful job search is making sure that your resume stands out from the competition. So how do you make your resume stand out? One of the most direct ways is by making your resume look more polished.
A good way to do this is by downloading a resume template with a pre-made design and filling it in with your information. Once you’ve filled in your template, you’ll have a resume that’s formatted properly and looks good.
2) Network with people in the industry
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connecting with professionals in your desired field can help you get an inside track to job openings and opportunities. Follow organizations, influencers, and companies that interest you on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to start building relationships.
3) Make a list of potential employers
Once you’ve identified specific roles or industries that appeal to you, it’s time to start researching potential employers who might be looking for someone with your skillset. Make a list of companies to target and create job alerts for the latest openings.
4) Take a break from searching
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by speeding up your job search process, especially if it takes longer than you had hoped. Taking regular breaks can help reduce stress and give you time to recharge your batteries.
Take some time out each day or week away from your search, such as going for a walk, continuing your hobbies, maintaining an active lifestyle, or simply meeting up with friends who will lift your spirits.
5) Use resources available online
If you’ve been out of work for a while, there are plenty of resources available to help you get back into the job market. Diversity Jobs has some great advice on how to return to the workforce following a career break.
There may also be free skills training courses or mentoring opportunities available in your area that can give you an edge over other applicants.
By taking advantage of all the tools and resources out there, as well as focusing on maintaining your mental health during this process, you’ll be able to reduce job search anxiety and land that perfect role.
To help get you started, you can find free resume-related resources (templates, writing guides, examples, and more) at Resume Genius.
Photo by Joice Kelly
