Signs & Strategies to Overcome Job Search Anxiety
Job searching can be stressful, especially when combined with other life pressures. Whether it’s struggling to secure a position after years of study, supporting a family, or trying to escape a toxic work environment, the anxiety can be overwhelming. To ease the pressure and help you find the right opportunity, atWork Australia supports people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in their job search.
What is Job Search Anxiety?
Job search anxiety is incredibly common, regardless of the person’s level of experience. Job searching can be a cutthroat process, and it requires a certain level of vulnerability. The process starts with drafting the perfect cover letter and resume to suit each position you apply for, and then you’re left waiting for a response that often never comes. This can create more stress! A job seeker may then begin reflecting upon themselves, asking questions, such as “Why didn’t I get a response, am I not good enough, or what could I have done differently?!”
Then, if you’re lucky enough to secure an interview, this can amplify the stress and anxiety as you are put to the test to prove you are the best person for the position. Similar to applying, if you’re not successful in the interview, the questions of self-doubt continue. Over time, if a person experiences these feelings of rejection regularly, it can create more anxiety around the process and impact the individual’s overall well-being. In essence, job search anxiety refers to the angst a person experiences while searching for employment.
What does Job Search Anxiety Look Like?
Job search anxiety can manifest in multiple ways. Some signs could include limited motivation toward job searching, feeling overwhelmed by the process, or having difficulty concentrating and focusing on the job at hand. The first step to overcoming job search anxiety is acknowledging it for what it actually is rather than just brushing it off. As previously mentioned, the anxiety could be a result of multiple factors, and you may feel that taking a break or cutting back on the time you spend on completing job searches is not an option. However, not addressing these issues, will cause more harm, the quality of the job applications will decline, and the job searching process will continue to bear no results. If you experience any job search anxiety warning signs, you should take immediate action to put steps in place to structure your job searching process.
What Causes Job Search Anxiety?
The cause of job search anxiety can be different for everyone. However, some of the common causes could be a negative mindset, self-doubt, fear of failure, or rejection. Often the prolonged stress of looking for a new job can be the icing on the cake. Potentially you are already working in a toxic environment, a job you don’t enjoy, or, you might be struggling to make ends meet. These alone are stressful situations, and when coupled with consistent unsuccessful job applications, it can be detrimental to a person’s well-being. If your job search begins impacting your well-being, make sure you seek professional help. atWork Australia’s Wellness Services support job seekers to improve their well-being before and during employment.
Strategies to Alleviate Job Search Anxiety
Taking action early is the key to managing job search anxiety. Here are a few simple strategies that can help throughout the job-seeking journey:
Find Support: First and foremost, it is essential to have strong support networks, such as friends and family who value you more than your job title. You can connect with job searching groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can seek professional support from atWork Australia, who can support you at every stage of the job-seeking journey.
Know Your Finances: Personal finances can be a major cause of anxiety. Having a good understanding of your cash flow can help you identify areas where you could potentially cut back if required. Additionally, depending on the state of your finances, you may have to broaden your job search and consider alternative options. Having a clear understanding of your finances can help you establish a timeframe for when these changes need to be implemented.
Set a Schedule: When there is no structure to the job searching process, it can be easy to waste time scrolling and not making any progress. Block out time in your calendar that is dedicated to job searching and set yourself specific targets for what you want to achieve. For example, identify a certain number of jobs, update your resume and cover letter, submit your applications, or work on personal development activities.
Be Patient and kind to yourself. It is important to remember that finding a new job can take time. It won’t happen overnight, you have to be patient and be prepared that throughout the process you will face some rejection. These are the times when you need to lean on your support networks, stay positive and be kind to yourself.
Job Search Success Stories
When you’re in the thick of it, it might seem you’re going around in circles and not making any progress in your job search journey. It can be easy to think—why is this happening to me—it looks easier for everyone else! It is important to remember that you’re not alone, job searching is difficult for everyone. It can sometimes be helpful and inspiring to see how others have overcome their job-searching challenges. Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of job seekers overcome their barriers to find meaningful employment.
Conclusion
There is no sugarcoating it—sometimes job searching can be tough. However, if you follow some of the tips and strategies outlined above, it can help reduce the potential for job search anxiety. Remember, this is a challenging process for everyone. So, be patient, stick at it, be kind to yourself, and most importantly, know that there is plenty of support available.
If you need support to overcome your job search anxiety and you want a team of professionals to guide you on the job-seeking journey, get in touch with atWork Australia today.