Avoid Job Search Depression |

02/20

Starting a new job search can be a very intimidating and dreadful task for many reasons, especially when unemployment is at a record low and top talent is so competitive. Even if someone considers themselves to be an optimistic and positive person, searching for a new job can be a challenging and painful process. For most people a career is closely linked to one’s identity, so until a new job is lined up, one can feel unsettled and incomplete.

The following factors are key contributors to job search depression and are important to note in order for you to recognize the triggers and overcome them to prevent becoming discouraged and unmotivated:

Loss of Control
- Losing a job can be a traumatic change in someone’s life, especially if someone has been at the same company for years.
Fear of the Unknown
- No one can know when the job search will end, how hiring managers will react to one’s resume, how long one will be out of work, and how the bills will be paid without a steady income.
Feeling Unwanted
- When applying to jobs, people are putting themselves out there for companies to notice them and their talents. If someone just lost their job and hiring managers are not responding to their resume, it can make them feel unwanted.
Rejections
- After several rejections in this competitive job market, it is common for people to start feeling bad about themselves.

Although the feelings above are valid and common for many people experiencing a new job search, it is important to realize being unemployed is only temporary. Implement the following actions into your daily routine to better manage your mood during your job search, so you can show up to interviews as your best self and land your dream job:

Optimize your Mindset
- Your perception is your reality, so it is important to promote a positive attitude about yourself and your abilities. Surround yourself with positive people, seek advice and support from people who will make you feel good, and remind yourself unemployment and the scary feelings are only temporary.
Create Structure
- Turn your job search into your new job by setting a daily routine. Maybe start your day off by looking for new jobs on different job boards, followed by updating your resume and applying to postings, and then set aside time to look for networking opportunities.
Connect
- Start connecting or reconnecting with family, friends, professors, former colleagues, and recruiters to supplement your job search. Many companies look to their internal relationships, staffing agencies and recruiters for new hire referrals.
Business-of-one Marketing Strategy
- In today’s job market you should not look at yourself as employee, but instead as a business-of-one trying to sell your services to an employer. Research and apply the latest marketing techniques to your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and interview preparation.
Prioritize Your Health and Wellbeing
- When you look and feel your best, you will have more confidence in yourself and that will reflect in your application process and how you show up to interviews.