9 Strategies for Feeling Less Stressed Job Hunting
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
While looking for a new job can be exciting and fun, it’s not unusual to worry.
These tips will help you overcome job search anxiety and help you succeed.
- Keep your perspective.
Your search will probably take longer than you hoped in these economic times. If you persist with it, you’ll eventually land a job or new career
The term “perspective” is popular these days, and for good reason. Be patient and try to see your job search for what it is– a transient
- Maintain an optimistic attitude
When looking for work, it’s crucial to keep an optimistic attitude, even if it’s (extremely) difficult at times. Try to be positive and make the most of your job search time by finding ways to make it more interesting or enjoyable.
Set up a regimen that includes a daily timetable of when you will network, apply for jobs, follow up and all the mundane tasks . Enjoy the challenge of finding new jobs to apply for, and when you’re done, reward yourself. .
Exercising, volunteering, and working in the garden — or anything else you enjoy doing — may all be great ways to reward yourself for your hard work.
- Develop a strategy
Create a job search strategy to help you break down your large goal into smaller, more doable chunks.
Start by jotting down your accomplishments and “wins” in each of your jobs, then revise your resume and cover letter as needed. Also update your LinkedIn profile to reflect on what makes you happy at work as well as your role, responsibilities and accomplishments. Include metrics of how your work made an impact
- Finish your homework
If you’re worried about being unprepared, take steps to combat those negative beliefs. Spend time learning about the type of job you want and the professional route you need to take to get there. Informational interviews are great for this.
Find firms that provide the types of work and culture that are a good fit for you and learn everything you can about them and the people you might work with and for. In your job search, the more aware and prepared you are, the more confidence will replace doubt in your mind. You’ll also save time because you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for and will narrow your final choice to a job that is a good fit for you and your abilities.
- Remember: It’s a process.
A new job rarely appears out of nowhere. It’s fine if you don’t get an interview for the first job you apply for. Examine your resume/cv, cover letter and/or work samples to evaluate what works and what doesn’t, then make necessary changes.
Keep in mind that recruiters have a lot on their plates. They usually receive hundreds of resumes and applications for each job posting. Employers may take some time to respond to you.
- Give yourself a boost of confidence.
When you’re looking for a job and having no luck, it’s easy to feel down. And it’s at this point that negative self-talk can show up.
Negative self-talk has been demonstrated in studies to lower motivation and performance. However, studies show that using positive self-talk (“I’m going to nail this interview!”) might help you perform and feel better. So, while in a job search, do everything you can to stay cheerful and upbeat. Employers are will notice!
- Celebrate successes.
When you only look forward and not backward in your job search, anxiety may set in. From time to time, stop and think about how far you’ve come in your search. Even if you are still making mistakes, they are “higher level” mistakes!
Even if you don’t get a particular job, you may have had a few successful interviews. Perhaps you’ve figured out how to respond to those challenging interview questions that can trip up even the most experienced job hunter.
So, remember to take a break now and then to smell the roses and reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve already put in. It can give you some much-needed self-assurance, which will help you get through the rest of your job hunt without feeling anxious.
- Figure out what needs to be done NOW and what doesn’t.
You’ve burdened yourself with every imaginable to-do in order to speed up your job search. But here’s something to think about: you don’t need to do everything. When you’re looking for work, there are a lot of things to do, but trying to accomplish them all at the same time will just cause you stress.
A better alternative is to figure out how often something—like updating your social media channels with breaking business news posts—really has to be done. You might find that you’re overworking yourself in your job search and that you can relax a little.
- Take a day off from time to time.
For many of us, our jobs are an important aspect of who we are, but we are so much more than that. We are, among other things, family, friends, mentors, and volunteers.
Take a break if your job search is getting you upset. Take a walk with your dog, pet your cat, and listen to them purr (OK, maybe they swing at you with their claws but they’re cats and you knew they might), go to the park, or grab a cup of coffee with a friend. You can always use deep breathing, changing your surroundings, talking to a friend or family member, meditation, exercise, or learning to be more conscious.
While looking for new work can be difficult, keep in mind that you can do it. If you’re prepared, organized, patient, and upbeat, you might even enjoy finding a job that’s a good fit for you and your professional goals.
Consider hiring a coach (me, or someone like me) if you need help. I can help you get traction in your job search, regain your bearings, and get results.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2021, 2025
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search
and succeeding in your career easier.
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
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He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes over 13+ years.
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