Tips for Destressing During the Job Search

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Searching for a new job can be stressful, particularly if you have financial pressures to deal with at the same time. The following tips can help you to let go of stress during your job search, which could help to improve your chance of success.

If you are currently unemployed, it can be easy to lose your sense of self-respect. The world puts such a huge emphasis on career that not having a job can be very depressing. In order to stay sane during your job search, you need to step back and take stock of your life as a whole on a regular basis. You might not have a job right now, but you still have a lot to offer as a person. Spending time with the people who know you best and care most about you, such as your family and closest friends, is a good way to restore your self-confidence, which can only help with your job search.

Remember that you are not alone. Due to the recent economic difficulties, many people have been affected by redundancy and unemployment. Having a gap on your resume is not the huge problem that it once was. Employers today are more understanding about the struggles that job seekers have faced and are more willing to listen to their reasons for being out of work. If you have trouble remembering that other people are facing the same struggles as you, try getting in touch with other job seekers through local job clubs, business groups, networking events and online forums.

Conducting a job search often involves spending a lot of time sitting in front of your computer, tidying up your resume, writing cover letters, and searching for vacancies. While this activity is a vital part of any job search, it's not good to spend all day sitting in your home. Make a point of getting out every day, even if it's just for a walk around the block. If you get tired of being on your own all day, move your job seeking activities to the local library or even a coffee shop.

Remember to take breaks from your job search. No one can effectively devote every waking hour to searching for and applying for jobs. Schedule some time each day for yourself, during which you should do something completely unrelated to your job search. Some example activities are reading a book, watching a favorite TV show, or going to the gym to get some exercise.

Searching for a job can be stressful, but there are ways to manage the stress and approach your job search with a positive attitude. Use the four tips given above to make your job search less stressful.

 

Photo courtesy of Master isolated images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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  • Miguel C.
    Miguel C.

    Thanks for the article. I was reminded that I am NOT alone in my job search. There are other people like me that are having the same problems. But we must remember that we have the ability to strive to be better and to get back to where we once were before and even farther. May you take strength from this and find the career of your choice move forward.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Victoria thank you for that. Yes volunteering is great. Volunteering in your church, in your community or even just helping out a family member gives you a new perspective on life. Being around others certainly does lift one's spirits. Sitting at home in front of a computer searching for jobs can be very stressful and lonely. Getting out and seeing the good one can do gives you new energy to tackle the job search!

  • Victoria D.
    Victoria D.

    ;-) Thanx for this article - I was pleased to see that I am already incorporating much of what is suggested but it's always nice to know we are not alone during times of struggle. I'm also trying to volunteer when/where I can too. Sometimes just personal interaction can help relieve the weight on our shoulders or take our mind off the job hunt for awhile. If we are able bodied & have extra time on our hands - why not help out others? As an HR rep & recruiter I've usually been the one offering uplifting advice or alternate ideas to job seekers. I really appreciate this article & hope that it continues being read - Good Stuff!

  • Debra C.
    Debra C.

    Well, I was layoff from my job and I need a job paying more than 8.25 hour and work full-time because working part-time for 20 hour that just isn't enough especially when you have to pay rent and bills.

  • Alfredo G.
    Alfredo G.

    Thanks man those are good suggestions I have never be out of work for over forty years. it's tough. walks with my old dogs helps a lot.

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