Job Search Stress: How to Overcome the Mental Hurdles of Finding a Job
Posted May 17, 2013 & filed under Uncategorized
Finding a job can often lead to stress, depression, and any other number of unwanted barriers along the road. These mental hurdles may present a formidable obstacle every now and then, but there are ways to hurdle them as you race towards success.
You don’t know where to start
Like with any project, finding where to start can often be the hardest part, and without anyone to guide you it can be quite daunting to sit down and work out the logistics of your job search.
How to hurdle it
The first thing to do is figure out exactly what your goals are. What kind of position are you looking for? How much are you looking to make? What type of work atmosphere is attractive to you? Ask yourself as many questions as you need to figure out exactly what your objectives are. Then write them down on a piece of paper and hang them up where you work. The more you recognize what your goals are, the better off you will be.
Once you have a clear goal in mind it is time to start researching company websites to see what jobs they are offering. As always, networking is important as well. Get in touch with as many known contacts as you can to ask if they have any recommendations. Finally, utilize recruiters to help you out along the way.
You are distracted
You will most likely be conducting your job search from home, which can undoubtedly be distracting. It is hard to resist the urge to sleep in, watch television, and spend your day running errands or cleaning.
How to hurdle it
The best way to combat this is to adopt the mindset that finding a job is your fulltime job. It is important to find a distraction free (such as a home office) environment to help you stay focused. Dress up as if you are going to work, and turn the TV off. Listen to classical music to keep your brain engaged. Most importantly, set a period of time aside every day where you will only look for jobs and stick to it.
If you find that you absolutely cannot concentrate at home then set up shop at a library, café, or any other location with wireless internet.
You feel tired or depressed
It is hard not to feel upset about a recent layoff, constant rejection, or just the overall work and stress that goes into searching for a job.
How to hurdle it
Working out is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Try going for a run in the morning before you start your hunt. It will help you wake up and energize your mind. Doing some simple stretches or yoga after a long day can put your mind at ease and help you get rid of unwanted stress. Most importantly, make some time for yourself and your friends and family. They are an important beacon of support. Just remember that job hunting, like any other job, shouldn’t consume your entire life.
You feel like you lack control
You may come to a point in the job search where you are sending out resumes and aren’t hearing back, which can cause you to feel like you have no control over the situation.
How to hurdle it
Hiring managers and human resources departments may be out of your control, so it is important to instead focus on the things that you do have control over. How does your resume look? Are you making sure that you are highlighting important skills or accomplishments? Does your cover letter paint a positive and powerful story about your work history? Are both documents error free? Focus on the things that you can control rather than worrying about what is going on behind the scenes at potential employers.
You become discouraged
After a few weeks of searching it is easy to feel like you will never get a job and must spend the rest of your searching endlessly for a position that will never come.
How to hurdle it
Always keep a positive outlook on your job search. Someday you will grab that perfect job you have been looking for. It may come at an unexpected time, but it will definitely come. Just remember it is there, you just have to find it.
By Kevin Withers
