What can you do if you're suffering from job search anxiety?
If you're looking at the list of symptoms above and feel like they're reflective of your situation, then it's likely that the stress of finding a job has started to trigger feelings of anxiety. Recognising that you've got a problem is the first step, putting things in place to ease the symptoms is the second step.
1. Start by changing your job search goals
If you feel like you're applying and applying and getting absolutely nowhere, then it might be time to start adjusting your job search goals. Now, we're not saying you should give up on the idea of your dream job by any means, but you might find progressing towards your dream job a little easier if you set your initial expectations slightly lower.
Why not try looking for some junior roles in your desired field, perhaps an internship or apprenticeship to help you get your foot in the door? You might be able to gain valuable experience in your dream industry that will help you later down the line. Looking for opportunities like this can be a little more realistic if you're struggling to get interviews for more senior roles.
2. Set realistic goals and deadlines
A great way to relieve some of the stress when looking for a job is to set smaller bite-sized goals and deadlines that won't overwhelm you. Rather than sitting at your laptop applying for jobs for 6 or 7 hours at a time, set aside 1-2 hours each day and then do some self-care activities and put the job hunt to the back of your mind. Although getting a job may seem like the biggest pressure, you can't let it absorb all of your time.
One day, you might set a goal to re-vamp your Linkedin account, the next day, you might spend an hour or two working on your cv and so on. Doing tasks like this will help you feel productive and might help you secure that dream job after all.
3. Reward your successes (no matter how small)
When you're feeling anxious it's easy to forget that the small wins count! You get so caught up looking at the things that aren't working out that you forget to look at how far you've come. Have a look through your CV - look at everything you've done to get you where you are today. You've worked really hard and there's a company out there will recognise your achievements and give you a job. It's just a matter of time.
4. Seek help!
If you think your job search anxiety is becoming serious, out of control and is really impacting your life, then it might be time to seek professional help. In terms of your job hunt, you could start by employing the help of a recruitment company like ourselves.
We have a huge team of recruitment experts who can take some of the job hunt pressure off your shoulders and help to speed up the recruitment process. You can spend more of your time looking after yourself while we work in the background.
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Get in touch with our recruitment experts today if you're suffering with job search anxiety. We're excited to help you find your dream career!
