How to Beat Job Search Anxiety
We’ll get it. Finding a job can be stressful and anxious. Examining over a hundred listings of unrealistic qualifications and LinkedIn kindly inviting you to “see how you compare to 34 other job seekers” can drain the soul of even the most confident.
Creating five different versions of your resume and customizing each cover letter to match the verbosity in the job description – while avoiding typos – is no easy task. And doing this day in and day out, hiding your job search from your boss, or worrying about how long your unemployment benefits will last, can be an ordeal. If you find yourself getting tired of this process, here’s how to deal with it.
First, it’s better to organize your search
One of the best ways to deal with anxiety and depression is to keep the moving parts in order, including organizing your job search . Save the folder detailing the jobs you applied for (and return to the list if HR calls for an interview). Print and label your resume versions to avoid confusion. Create a job application spreadsheet that lists the company, application date, contact information, and any follow-up action you have taken – which, if done right, is almost always in your best interest .
Schedule your job search
If you are currently working, set a time each day to devote to finding a job. If your job is a job search, create a daily schedule that includes a set amount of time reading job listings, submitting applications, and chatting. (Note to introverts: Networking is just making connections with people. Any emails, text messages, private messages or, well, hurray, phone calls you make are fully counted.)
Set specific measurable goals for job opportunities
When things feel insecure, setting manageable time-based goals can help you regain a sense of control. For example: Apply for six jobs on Tuesday. Finish updating your LinkedIn profile by 4:00 PM. At lunchtime, turn to three potential recommendations. Never underestimate selfishness when you check something off your list.
Take a short break when your job search is overwhelmed
While it’s easy to get hung up on a job search, especially when you don’t see results and really want to (like now) , be sure to disconnect and remind yourself that life exists outside of your bubble. Instead of leaving your shack to hunt for work, like Gollum, once a day to go to the bathroom, set a timer to force yourself to get up, walk, socialize, and get some fresh air.
Find another way to feel productive.
If you have little interest at work, it may seem like you are not making progress. This is when it helps you to prove yourself in another small project in order to feel more productive. (The key word here is small . We’re talking about redesigning a drawer or toilet, not re-painting the whole house.)
Don’t neglect taking care of yourself
It doesn’t have to be a full spa day, but sometimes when you’re too focused on a goal, it can be hard to remember basic things like breakfast, drinking water, or exercise. Set aside time in your daily routine to take care of your body and your mental health.
Normalize without getting immediate results
Repeat after me: I won’t get the job overnight. And that’s okay. In fact, depending on your industry, it can take up to five months to get your next gig . So instead of worrying about six weeks past, realize that anything less than six months is still within the average time frame. (And don’t forget to allow for time for your personal nagging, if so. Be honest.)
Celebrate small successes in your job search
Have you completed your new website or updated your portfolio? Apply for the job that scared you (and asked a groaning number of follow-up questions)? Indulge in a movie, drink, or new entertainment you’ve been looking for. Rewarding yourself for victories can fill your emotional reservoir and keep you motivated to move forward.
Get the right moral support in your job search
When you feel stuck, start talking to people about it (in fact, it’s best to talk to people before this happens, but sometimes life is a struggle with damage). Reach out to friends, alumni groups, or whatever What’sApp chat you neglected. They can be a great source of networking, unexpected job searches, and empathy. (Because, isn’t it nice when you voice your opinion and hear that you are not alone in the struggle sometimes? Yes. Yes, you are.) If you need more, see a professional trainer or therapist.
Remember that positive change is coming
While it’s easy to focus on the less exciting aspects of your job search, keep in mind that you are on the cusp of something new and potentially exciting. Try to shift some of that worry into awareness of a new opportunity.
While you may not like the insecurity that change brings, you are about to meet new people, develop your skills, and tackle new challenges that will make you more confident and relevant in the future. When you think of it this way, it’s actually pretty exciting.
Damn this old job anyway. The new one you find will be even better . Now get up and stretch. Come outside. Go to a soccer game or Paint ‘n Sip. All this will be tomorrow.