Searching for your next role can be an exciting time, especially when you’re connecting with a great company about an opportunity that feels like the perfect fit. However, in today’s job market, both job seekers and recruiters report that finding a new role can take as long as six to twelve months. In such a competitive environment, it can take hundreds of applications and multiple interviews before you receive a job offer. Over time, that process can easily lead to burnout, especially if you’re putting in hours researching, applying, and interviewing, only to face disappointment when the company selects another candidate.
During your job search, it’s important to protect your well-being so you can stay motivated and show up as your best self in each interview. Here are three tips to help you beat job search burnout:
- Set aside intentional time off. Just like you would have weekends and holidays off from a full-time job, make sure to schedule breaks from your job search. Turn off your computer, stop checking emails, and give yourself a true mental rest. If taking full days away feels unrealistic because you don’t want to miss new job postings, try building smaller blocks of “off” time into your calendar each day instead. This could be time in the morning to visit your favorite coffee shop, a couple hours in the afternoon to cook a nice lunch for yourself, or an evening out with friends. Job hunting can easily start to feel like a 24/7 task, but taking meaningful time away helps you recharge and come back with a clearer head.
- Proactively manage your daily stress levels. It’s important to identify and consistently practice small habits that help you unwind. Think of your stress like water in a cup – if it’s always filled to the brim, it only takes one small thing to make it overflow and leave you feeling overwhelmed. By regularly practicing activities that reduce stress, you can lower that “water line” over time and approach each day with more calmness and positivity. These practices should be simple and personalized; what things do you love doing? Ideas include taking a walk outside in the fresh air, reading a good book, listening to your favorite album or podcast, cooking a new recipe, watching a new movie, meeting a friend for appetizers, crafting, or spending time with your dog at the park. Intentionally creating consistent moments of rest and enjoyment can help you maintain balance and stay grounded during an otherwise stressful job search.
- Lean on your community. During an extended period of unemployment or job searching, it’s easy to feel discouraged, or even embarrassed, talking about it. If your unemployment is due to a layoff, remember that it’s not a reflection of your abilities or performance. Layoffs are often the result of company-wide restructuring, budget cuts, or changing business needs – factors completely outside your control. In today’s market, they’re becoming increasingly common and happen to talented people across every industry. Reach out to friends or family members who’ve been through something similar. Sometimes, simply talking about what you’re feeling (or having someone to commiserate with) can go a long way toward easing stress.
If you’re feeling burnt out during your job search, you’re not alone. Staying active and applying regularly is important but so is prioritizing your well-being. Putting these tips into practice can help you maintain balance and stability during this period of change. Stay patient and be kind to yourself – the right opportunity will come along!