Searching for the right job has become daunting with the growing competition in our job market. While some find it exhausting to search for the right opportunities, some struggle with long and complex job application processes. Appearing for multiple interviews and selection tests is stressful when you are already trying to meet the deadlines of your current job. Facing rejections or dragging negotiations can take a toll on your mental health. The idea of changing a job can be intimidating for many. 

We know that job seekers' fatigue is real! It negatively impacts your mental health and affects your career move. Here's how you can cope with job seeker fatigue and stay motivated during the job search.

Learn to put yourself first by prioritizing self-care

The golden rule for making the job search stress-free is - remembering that health trumps career. Take care of your physical and emotional health by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that help you unwind. 

Remember to be kind and patient with yourself, avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk, celebrate even the smallest achievements, and take regular breaks during your job search to avoid burnout. Practise these strategies to have more energy and resilience during your job search. 

Don't overwhelm yourself: Set a realistic goal

Often in an attempt to land the perfect job, we aim way above our weight. When you fail to achieve these standards, it results in results into exhaustion, stress, and hopelessness. Set realistic and achievable goals. For example, instead of aiming for ten interviews a month, set a goal to attend just two quality interviews.

Be realistic about the job market and the competition. It takes time to find the right job, it's okay to take a break from the job search, and you can adjust your goals along the way.

Be organised and plan your calendar well

Job searching can quickly become overwhelming if you apply for multiple jobs. Stay on top of your job search by creating a system for organising your job applications, resumes, cover letters, and interview schedules. 

In addition to it, create a calendar that helps you organise commitments from your current job and interview appointments. By staying organised, you'll feel more in control and less stressed.

Do not shy away from asking for support

Know that it is ok to ask for support while you are building your career. Ask for support in job opportunities and professional references. Your network can help you connect with opportunities that are not commonly advertised on job search platforms. 

Your professional network can help you with references. Connect with your mentors to learn from their job search experiences. You can also ask for motivational support from friends and family to face setbacks or rejections in your job search. 

Share your experiences

Be open about your job search process. Let the world know the good, bad, or worst experiences. You will not only be helping others in their job search journey, but you will also gain new perspectives, ideas, and opportunities by opening up to others. 

In conclusion, job searching can be a challenging and stressful process, but it's important to take care of your mental health during this time. By prioritising self-care, practising self-compassion, taking breaks, setting realistic goals, staying organised, seeking support, and sharing your experiences you'll be better equipped to deal with job seeker fatigue. We wish you luck on your job search journey. Partner with the right leadership talent consultants to make your job search journey even more stress-free. Partner with Greenhill Consulting.