The job hunt can be extremely stressful for anyone who has been laid off or is looking for a way out of their current role. The interview process, the cover letter and resume you have to adapt and send every time, the endless waiting...
All of this is known as job search anxiety, a very common occurrence in today's unstable economy. Here is exactly what this term is and how you can reduce anxiety in your job search process.
What is job search anxiety?
Job search anxiety is a type of anxiety that can occur when a person is looking for a new job. This anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including the fear of rejection, the fear of the unknown, and the fear of not being good enough and meeting the job descriptions and requirements.
This anxiety can lead to a number of negative consequences, including making it difficult to focus on the job search, making it difficult to network, and making it difficult to face an interview.
Ten signs of job search anxiety
When you're feeling anxious about your job search, there are certain behaviors that are common. Here are 10 job search stress anxiety signs that you're feeling stress:
1. Constantly worrying about the next step.
This can include feeling overwhelmed by the process, worrying about making mistakes, and feeling like you're not good enough. Perhaps your cover letter was not goog enough, you bombed the job interview or the potential manager did not have a positive experience with you. In any case, you can't stop worrying.
2. Repeatedly second-guessing yourself.
This can be a normal reaction to the stress of looking for a job, but it can also interfere with your ability to make progress in your search. If you're second-guessing yourself often, use this schedule maker to streamline the job search process.
If you can't find a way out, talking to a career coach can help realize your full potential.
3. Struggling to stay positive.
Job search anxiety is a real thing. It's the feeling of anxiousness, dread, and fear that comes with looking for a job. It's normal to feel this way when you're job searching. But if you're struggling to stay positive, it's a sign that your anxiety is getting the better of you.
You can talk to a career counselor to help you define your career goals, which can help your mental health and give you a positive attitude as you're going through new job applications.
4. Finding it hard to concentrate.
If you're finding it hard to concentrate while job searching, it could be a sign of job search anxiety. This anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including the fear of rejection, the pressure to find the perfect job, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the search process or going down the wrong career path.
The added financial pressure does not help maintain a positive attitude either.
5. Experiencing mood swings.
You may think that you know what job search anxiety is, but if you're experiencing those symptoms you may be surprised that this is not the case. You may be irritable, having trouble sleeping, or feeling lethargic. You may even be having feelings of dread and impending doom.
6. Making irrational decisions.
When you experience job search anxiety and depression, it's easy to let your emotions take over and make decisions that you wouldn't normally make. This can lead to things like applying for jobs that you're not qualified for, or turning down job offers because you're afraid of the unknown. You can always refer to a document management tool to highlight documents that show your experience and job qualifications.
7. Neglecting your health.
If you're not taking care of yourself, you'll be less likely to impress potential employers and more likely to get sick during the process. Plus, job search anxiety can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, drinking, or smoking, which will only make you feel worse in the long run.
Job search depression is real and if you catch yourself feeling down about not having your dream career, it's a good idea to talk to someone else.
8. Avoiding social events.
Many people experience anxiety when searching for a job. This anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including avoiding social events. This can be counter-intuitive however, as visiting career events can help you with your job search goals and brush up your interview skills.
9. Withdrawing from friends and family.
They probably don't understand what you're going through and they can't help you find a job. But withdrawing from your support system is a bad idea. Not only will it make you feel isolated and alone, but it will also make it harder to keep going.
10. Struggling to sleep.
The job search can be a very stressful process, and it can be hard to relax and get a good night's sleep when you're worried about finding a job.
Eight causes of anxiety in a job search
- Cannot cope with the process: Job hunting can be a daunting task, and some people have a lot of fears about it. Some of the most common anxieties include fear of being rejected, fear of not being good enough, and fear of not being able to find a job.
- The future is bleak: People also often have fears about the future when it comes to job hunting. Some people worry about not being able to find a job that is a good fit for them, or about being unemployed for a long time. Others worry about not being able to find a job that pays a good salary, or about being laid off and having to go back to work at a lower salary.
- It doesn't feel right: Many people also have fears about the unknown when it comes to job hunting. They may worry about not knowing what to do or how to do it, or they may worry about not being able to find a job that is a good fit for them.
- Not being prepared: Another common fear when it comes to job hunting is the fear of interviewing. Some people are afraid that they will not be able to answer all of the interview questions correctly, or that they will not be able to show the interviewer what they are really capable of.
- The job market: People also have a lot of fears about the job market when it comes to job hunting. They may worry about not being able to find a job that is a good fit for them, or about being unemployed for a long time.
- Fears about money: Money is also a big fear when it comes to job hunting. Some people may worry about not being able to afford to make a living on their own, or about not being able to find a job that pays a good salary.
- Missing home: Some people may worry about not being able to find a job that is close to home, or about not being able to find a job that is comfortable to commute to. Refer to this blog that shows how you can eliminate job searching anxiety at your workplace.
- Feeling overwhelmed about not being able to find a job: Finally, another common fear when it comes to job hunting is the fear of not being able to find a job. This can be a fear that is specific to a certain area or a fear that is more general.
How to deal with job search anxiety?
If you're feeling anxious about how to overcome job search anxiety, here are 10 tips to help you feel better:
- Set realistic goals. Don't expect to find a new job right away, or within a certain time period. The most important thing is to take steps towards your goal, and if you find yourself feeling discouraged due to anxiety about job search, remember that it will take time.
- Take care of yourself. Prepare a healthy diet plan over the long term. Make sure you sleep peacefully for 7 to 8 hours. Exercising regularly is always good. Your mental and physical health will reap the benefits, both in the short and long term and job anxiety is just a temporary situation.
- Talk to a friend or family member. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can be helpful in relieving some of the anxiety. Empathy at work is also very important to overcome stress and anxiety at work.
- Get organized. Make a list of all the jobs you've applied to, as well as the dates you sent your applications. Doing this through the entire process of getting the job will help you stay focused, and you will be able to track your progress with ease.
- Set realistic expectations. Don't expect to get a phone call from your dream job right away. It may take several weeks, or even months, for the right opportunity to come along. Until that day comes, try to keep your stress levels and blood pressure under control.
- Be open to opportunities. When you're presented with an opportunity to interview for a job you're interested in, don't hesitate to take it. You never know – it might be the perfect opportunity to land the job you've been searching for.
- Prepare yourself to answer questions. If you're interviewed for a job, be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and the job itself.
- Show humility. No matter how good your qualifications or experience may be, don't overestimate your abilities. While some much-needed confidence helps, don't give yourself additional stress by thinking very highly of your skills.
- Don't give up. Even if the job search process feels like it's going uphill, don't give up. Over time, you'll feel your confidence level shoot up as you move through each single opportunity.
- Stay positive. Even when the job search feels discouraging, remember that there are countless other people out there looking for jobs as well. Stay hopeful, and you will eventually find the job that's right for you.
Wrapping up
The application process can be a difficult time for anyone, no matter how experienced they are. And if your anxiety levels are going through the roof or you feel the job hunting depression kicking in, remember to take good care of yourself first.
