Finding a job shouldn't become your full-time job. If that happens, chances are good that you may eventually suffer from job search burnout. It may start out as stress that comes from fear of an uncertain future, but then that fear could turn into frustration, anxiety and then anger. All of these things can affect your personal life in addition to delaying your professional life. Discover eight ways to avoid this scenario.
1. Create a Strategy
Just like you have a strategy for completing a large project at the office, you should approach finding a new position the same way to mitigate job search burnout. Plan every day down to the hour, and stick to it. Set aside time for networking, applying for jobs, writing a cover letter and tailoring your resume.
2. Limit Your Time
Don't make your search a full-time effort. Spend no more than four hours per day looking for a position. This includes looking for jobs on the weekend, when you might find a receptive ear from a company higher-up.
3. Give Yourself Breaks
Sometimes, you just need to relax and not think about the next step in your professional life. Take a break every once in a while. Avoid job search burnout by exercising, reading a book, spending time in the garden or engaging in hobbies that help you to relax.
4. Vary Your Methods
Don't spend all of your time on one method of landing a job. Networking is the preferred method of many companies to find top talent, so spend a good portion of your four hours talking to people and getting to know them. Eventually, those efforts pay off with a good reference. Call recruiters, make contact with alums of your college, and supplement your networking with pushes on LinkedIn.
5. Get Help
Career centers can help because they have connections with employers that you might not find otherwise. Career centers have relevant tips for sprucing up your resume, writing a cover letter and developing skills. Staffers at career centers also offer moral support, which can keep you encouraged and help you avoid job search burnout.
6. Volunteer
Volunteer within your area of expertise. Do you know how to run a website? Volunteer to run an organization's website, or help to enhance an organization's existing site. The idea here is that your volunteer supervisor can speak for your skills, work ethic and experience. You can say to your future employer that you filled your unemployment gap with volunteer time.
7. Join a Networking Group
A networking group offers support in the midst of your search. Group members understand what you're going through, and they can also put you in touch with employers looking for hard workers.
8. Seek Professional Help
Job search burnout is a real thing, so seek the assistance of a professional counselor before this takes over your life. There's nothing wrong with having a mental health professional help you cope with a tough time.
These eight ways to avoid job search burnout offer practical tips for staying in top mental shape throughout your job search. These tips also help you maintain a positive attitude when the process gets a bit stressful.
Photo courtesy of mdennes at Flickr.com
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!