Job searching can be a very emotionally challenging experience. It’s filled with peaks and valleys; there will be victories and disappointments. This range of emotions can make job searching difficult to cope with – especially if you’re an anxious person. So here are three coping skills you should know if you are an anxious job seeker.

Understand the Job Search Process

Understanding the job searching process is one of the key ways to cope with anxiety in your search. There will be a gap between the time you hit submit your application to the request for an interview to then an offer or declination. In short, don’t expect to find a job overnight – it takes time. There will be positions you apply for that you won’t be asked to interview for, you’ll do interviews but not get an offer, or you may get an offer but decline the job.

This is why it’s crucial to apply continuously for jobs and be intentional about the jobs you’re applying for. Doing this work on the backend will relieve anxiety since you’ll have multiple applications out there, which increases your chances of landing an interview, and being intentional about the roles you’re applying for will make it more likely that you will want to accept an eventual offer.

Take Breaks from Job Searching

During your search, taking breaks is vital for managing the anxiety that comes to job seekers. Knowing when to step away from sending applications or tailoring your resume will help you keep your mental health and refocus your mindset. Turn off notifications on your phone for emails or job alerts for set periods of time to force yourself to unplug. Do a hobby you enjoy to clear your mind. Meditate or exercise to reset your mind. Taking breaks from your job search will help you stay more positive through the process, improve your mental health, and reduce job search anxiety.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Talking to others is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety in your job search. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – especially if you’re really struggling with anxiety in your search. Reaching out to your network can fill you in on positions you weren’t aware of; they can put in a good word for you or even talk you through the emotions you’re feeling. We’ve all struggled in a job search at one point or another, so chances are pretty high that someone in your network knows exactly what you’re feeling and can help you through it.

Reaching out to a recruitment agency is also a great way to ask for help in your job search. Recruiters can give your resume and interview assistance, help you apply for more jobs, mentor you through the process, and be an advocate for you as a candidate.

Don’t let anxiety get the best of you during your job search! Using these coping skills will relieve the anxious feelings as a job seeker. Knowing the general job search process will help you understand the approximate timeline it takes from application to interview to offer. Taking breaks from your search will help your mental health and give time to refocus your mindset. And finally, not being afraid to ask for help in your search; whether from your network or reaching out to a recruitment agency, having more people in your job search corner can only benefit you! Keeping anxiety out of your job search will help make it a more positive experience and keep your mental health from suffering.

About EG Workforce Solutions

We’ve been in this business for decades and have developed a deep network of professional connections. Whether they’re companies looking for talent, job seekers looking for work, or an up-and-coming store in need of some temporary help, we know the right people to bridge the gap between the hiring and the hired.

But what’s more, we get to know people. From employers hiring to candidates looking, we take the time to listen and learn. We hear your likes, talents, and needs. We gain an understanding, and with it, we’re able to facilitate lasting relationships between businesses and people.