Overcoming job search anxiety isn’t easy, especially when you are in the middle of a job search.
You may have noticed the longer your search goes on, the more anxious you become. The good news is there are activities you can work into your job search that won’t just help you reach your goal sooner, but also help you keep calm during the journey.
5 Tips for Overcoming Job Search Anxiety
1. Get Organized
There is a unique peace in having order and structure in your life. Apply that type of organization to your job search, and you’ll experience less anxiety. Set a schedule for your daily job seeking activities and stick to it. If you have set times to search job listings, work on your resume, and research possible employers, you’re less likely to find the process overwhelming.
2. Set SMART Goals
Sure, your number one goal is getting a job, but it’s wise to set several goals that are:
- Specific,
- Measurable,
- Achievable,
- Relevant, and
- Time-Bound.
These criteria comprise the SMART model (learn more here), and setting goals by them can help you feel a sense of accomplishment, even if your goal of getting hired isn’t met yet. For instance, you may set a goal of submitting 50 applications in a week. If you’re able to mark that goal as reached by the end of that week, you can – and should – feel good about it.
3. Write Customizable Resumes
Many job seekers are under the impression that one resume fits all. In other words, they write one resume and keep sending the same resume over and over again, regardless of the job they’re applying for. That can cause some anxiety if your resume doesn’t really fit a particular job opportunity. Save yourself that worry by being flexible enough to write different versions of your resume. Each should emphasize the skills and experience that apply to a given position.
4. Know When It’s Time for a Break
Another way of overcoming job search anxiety is by taking a break. Remember that job search schedule we suggested? Make sure it includes time for non-job-search activities. Allow yourself opportunities to take a physical and mental break, whether it involves going for a walk, seeing a movie, or reading a book. That way, when you get back to employment-related tasks, you’ll be rested and recharged.
ICR is Here for You
Searching for work is a full-time job, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help finding the right opportunity, or you’re working on making yourself more marketable, ICR can handle the details. Let’s get started!
