Do you experience anxiety as a result of your job search? It’s not just you. Job hunting can be very difficult and there is a lot of competition out there.
In this post, we will cover the warning signs of job search anxiety as well as strategies for coping with it.
- What is job search anxiety?
- Signs of Job Search Anxiety
- How to Deal with Job Search Anxiety
What is job search anxiety?
Many job seekers experience anxiety, or a sense of dread and unease while looking for a new job. A number of factors might contribute to this such as the rejection that comes with applying, the unpredictability of the future, and the stress of the interview process.
Signs of Job Search Anxiety
First of all, it’s critical to distinguish between the frustration and nerves that come with any job search and the anxiety that can have an impact on your mental health.
Here are some indicators that you may be experiencing job search anxiety:
- Difficulty getting out of bed or hard concentrating
- Increased Irritability
- Uninterest in usual past hobbies
- Helplessness and/or feelings of worthlessness
- A cluttered and/or filthy place
- Procrastination.
It’s important to remember that these emotions can attack anyone during the job search process. It becomes a more serious issue when it persists and interferes with your ability to live your normal life.
In the next section, we’ll cover ways to reduce your anxiety and regain control over your job search.
How to Deal with Job Search Anxiety
1. Maintain a routine
When you work full-time (or even part-time), you are expected to keep a schedule. That could be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or something else completely. The point is that you keep those hours. When it comes to looking for a new job, consider it your job. Working for a set number of hours, taking regular breaks, and clocking out at the end of the day are all examples of this.
Many job seekers complain that their job search interferes with their daily lives. Just as having a work/life balance is important, having a routine that allows you to disconnect is also essential. This ensures that you have time to nurture yourself outside of “work” through socializing, hobbies, and other activities.
2. Remember that it’s not personal
Looking for a new job entails being rejected. Although it can be difficult to remember, there are numerous factors and variables – outside of your control – that influence the candidates hiring managers to consider for a role. As a result, just because you were rejected does not imply that the team disliked you.
When you think or say things like, “What am I doing wrong?” catch yourself. Rather, perceive every interaction with a company as an opportunity to learn. It can also help to remember that each “no” brings you closer to your “yes.”
3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
When you come across an opportunity that appears to be a match for what you’re looking for, it’s easy to get excited and fantasize about it. Assume you make it to the third round of an interview. You can stop interviewing elsewhere if you are confident that this one will work out. Resist the temptation.
As previously stated, there are numerous factors that influence hiring managers’ decisions. Do not commit to one company unless they have made a job offer to you. Working with adaptability and flexibility will allow you to stay motivated despite the disappointment that can accompany job hunting.
4. Fit in small wins in your schedule
When you look for a job, you are not simply looking. You’re sending emails, researching companies and hiring managers, reaching out to your network, making new connections, and doing a variety of other things. It can be overwhelming, which can lead to anxiety.
Include some wins that will keep you motivated as you complete your tasks throughout the day. This could be related or unrelated to your job search, for example:
- Reading a chapter from a new book.
- Connecting with someone in your industry on LinkedIn
- Getting to a new level on Duolingo.
Fit whatever you are capable of doing and what brings you joy into your schedule.
Pro tip: Schedule it whenever you tend to hit a rut in your day. The energy boost you’ll get is arguably superior to any cup of coffee.
5. Make relaxation and destress your daily habit
It’s crucial to engage in activities that will calm your nervous system and give you new energy after you clock out for the day. Despite your temptation, resist the urge to go on to social media. Frequently, instead of unwinding, we find ourselves engrossed in stimuli like Netflix binges or scrolling through TikTok.
Here are some better options:
- Take a stroll, jog, or bike ride in the park
- Listen to podcasts or music
- Read or colour a book
- Catch up with relatives and friends
- Meditate
- Solve a sudoku or puzzle
- Play a chess game.
6. Change up your approach
Change something if your existing strategy is still making you feel nervous. For instance, if spending the entire day at home isn’t useful for you, perhaps a coffee shop or a park may be a better place for you to work. Do you have a lot of stress related to the writing of your resume? Then, you can hire a resume writer, or you can ask a colleague to look it over.
During the job search, it’s normal to feel stuck, which might cause worry. By changing your approach, you can alleviate some of this and experience a sense of empowerment throughout the process.
7. Seek help
Reach out for assistance if you realize that you are still having trouble and are unsure of your next steps. You shouldn’t go through the job search alone because anxiousness about it is really prevalent. Consider contacting a therapist who can assist you in learning fresh perspectives on your path.
Get in touch with your friends and family inside your local neighbourhood. They can provide the support you require, even though they may not always be able to relate to what you are going through.
