Finding a job can feel like a full-time job! And the whole job search experience can be very stressful. Guest contributor, Michelle, offers seven useful tips to ease the process.
 

Photo: Job search by Ron Lach for Pexels

 
Finding a job takes work, and you may find yourself feeling just as stressed as you were while studying at university or working full-time. Right now, you might be feeling overwhelmed by updating your CV and scheduling interviews. While there’s no doubt you’ll feel some degree of stress, you can keep it to a minimum by using these strategies.

1. Use data to adjust your perspective

Job searches often feel like you are engaging in a competition with other people that you don’t even know. If you work in a competitive market, then thinking about the other applicants might leave you feeling stressed. You might also feel like everyone else seems to be finding a job while you’re floundering. Fortunately, you can use a little data to help ease your mental strain. This past year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that the number of UK job vacancies was higher than number of unemployed, for the first time in 50 years, with job openings reaching a record high of 1.3 million. Remembering that there is still a sea of well-paying jobs out there helps you feel less like you are fighting for the scraps.

2. Create a general timeline to follow

If you are looking for your first job or you’ve been out of the job hunt for a while, then you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the steps that you need to follow for a better approach. With more of an emphasis on online ads and social media, you might also be facing new tasks that you didn’t have to do years ago. Starting with a checklist helps you to organise your time better by breaking things down into manageable chunks. For instance, you can’t put in a thorough application without updating your CV. Starting there and working through the list also helps you see how much you’ve accomplished.

3. Establish a daily routine

You can easily lose track of time when you don’t have to adhere to a normal work schedule. Procrastination is also a major problem when you have lots of time to spend at home. If you feel stressed after spending a day binge-watching your favorite show instead of job hunting, then you might benefit from adding a few routines to your morning. Beginning with a cup of your favorite beverage as you browse job ads is a great way to begin your day on a positive note. Taking small breaks can also give your brain time to rest, and you can use these times to reset your intentions for the day if something isn’t working.

4. Switch things up to relieve frustration

If you find yourself feeling mentally fatigued from filling out applications and creating custom cover letters, then try doing something else temporarily. Anything you do to get to the primary goal of finding a job will help, and giving yourself a mental break means you come back refreshed for finishing your main tasks. Researching careers is an easy way to stay on task while giving yourself a brief break from extensive mental work. You might even discover a different line to follow, and come up with new prospects.

5. Use your daily breaks wisely

You wouldn’t think of working eight hours straight without at least a coffee or lunch break, and you shouldn’t try to do it at home, either. However, you do want to make sure that you are maximising your break times. For instance, you might choose to meet up for a coffee with someone within your field who could give you industry insights or even potential new job leads. Or, you might want to attend a networking event that occurs during what would’ve been your old happy hour time. Even going to the gym might give you more confidence as you proceed with your job search.

6. Organise your applications and follow-ups

Finding out that you’ve double-applied for a position is stressful, since it wastes time and makes you look disorganised. You can avoid such issues by keeping a record of each job you apply for and a few details to help keep everything straight. Being able to see at a glance whether or not you applied for a job helps you to know when to move on. You can also use your planner to remember when to send follow-ups after interviews or complete application steps.

7. Take a much needed rest day

The final thing you’ll need to do is remember that you don’t have to be constantly looking for a job. Sometimes, you need to give the work you’ve done time to reach the right person. If the weekend has hit, then consider doing something else for a change. Going hiking or engaging in another hobby gives your brain a break so that you are more likely to be ready to hit the job hunt hard come Monday morning.

 
As you work through the job search process, remember that many of these strategies also contribute to good work habits. Staying organised, keeping a schedule, and knowing when to give yourself a break, are all great ways to succeed in the workplace. Now, just keep at it. Soon, you’ll be looking back on these days with a sense of pride for all you have accomplished.

 

About the Author

Michelle Quill is a freelance writer who offers SEO content writing and blogging services. She works in health, business, andtechnology niches. Apart from writing, she loves traveling and writing journey itineraries.
 

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