5 Ways to End Job Search Stress in 5 Minutes or Less
April may have the honor of serving as Stress Awareness Month, but it’s always important to call attention to job search stress.
After all, stress is more than an unpleasant sensation. Prolonged stress takes a huge toll on your physical and mental well-being.
In a 2020 Stress in America survey, many reported increased tension in their bodies (21%), “snapping” or getting angry very quickly (20%), unexpected mood swings (20%), or screaming at a loved one (17%) in response to stress.
Here are five stress relief tips just to help eliminate the negative impacts of stress in your job search:
1. Identify the source of your stress
There are a million sources of job search stress. Whether it’s getting turned down for an interview or not hearing back from employers, these things can take a toll on your attitude and motivation.
If you find yourself never hearing back from employers, take a look at your job search strategy. Are you sending the same resume and cover letter to every employer? If so, this could be something you could change to improve your chances.
2. Take a moment to be thankful
Whether you’re an employed job seeker or have experienced long-term unemployment, take a moment to express gratitude for your journey. Regardless of your current status, write a list of the moments in your life that positively impacted your career. This list will serve as an excellent reminder to stay positive during your job search.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that participants who consistently wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health.
Thus, being thankful for your career experiences will likely lead to an improved attitude and motivation for your search.
3. Call a friend or mentor
Calling a person you trust can help ease the job search stress when you’re feeling down. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative emotions caused by your search — and even allow them to weigh you down.
Talking to someone (and even venting a little) can help you blow off some steam. In fact, your friend could also provide you with a new perspective to apply to your search.
Chatting with a mentor is especially important as you feel stressed about your job search. He or she can help you cope with the stress by strategizing your job search. Express the problems or barriers you’re encountering and work with them to find a solution.
Sometimes, it takes an objective viewpoint to help you figure out where to improve.
4. Stop taking rejection personally
Rejection is inevitable during the job search process, even for the best of us. Often, that’s because an employer found a candidate who was a little more qualified than you. However, you need to remember there are employers looking for exactly what you have to offer.
As you experience rejection from employers, learn how to turn it into a positive learning experience. Consider seeking feedback from the hiring manager on areas where you can improve, or what they thought you lacked as a candidate.
But don’t be alarmed if the hiring manager doesn’t have time to provide you with feedback. What matters most is that you’re open to critiques and trying to turn the rejection into something positive.
5. Visualize
Your imagination is a powerful tool when it comes to managing job search stress. When you’re feeling down about your job search, take your mind back to a time where you accomplished something incredible.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how awesome we are as individuals when our job search doesn’t go as planned. Focusing on your accomplishments, talents, and passions can help draw inspiration for your search and get you back on track.
There’s no doubt stress impacts job seekers, especially in today’s job market. The constant worry of maintaining employment is something many job seekers can relate to. However, when it comes to having peace of mind during your search, it’s time to relax and take your job search one day at a time.
Looking for more ways to reduce stress and boost stamina? Try these 10 healthy habits.
