Job search stress? Maybe not.

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Looking for a new job can be stressful, right? It can make you feel frustrated, anxious, rejected. It can make you wonder “What’s wrong with me?! What is preventing me from getting hired?”

Actually, job search doesn’t have to be stressful if you do it properly. And there are ways to better manage it, and feel more comfortable and positive about it. Consider the following . . .

What jobs are you applying for?

Do you apply ONLY for jobs you actually want? It may sound obvious, but I often hear people applying for everything having even a far connection with their target career. Don’t be one of them. Less is more. Stay focused.

When you target the positions you’re actually interested into and qualified for, you dedicate your time and effort to something that energizes you. And this invigorates you, increases your alertness levels, and makes you feel more fulfilled.

How good an actor are you?

Do you want THAT job, or do you need one to pay your bills?

I agree that not everyone has the luxury of being selective when it comes to finding a job. However,

  • If your mind is mainly focused on survival, you may not think clearly. Nor you may approach your job search in a strategic way. Hence you may miss opportunities. Do want to miss them?
  • If you fake it during the application process and the interview, and you land the job, for how long will you be happy? For how long can you hide your frustration? Up to when are you able to sacrifice your ambitions for security? How long before you’ll be looking for another job again?
  • If you really need a pay check, accept the job. It will be easier to find something that’s a better fit when you’re not obsessed by basic needs. But keep on scouting the job market.

What do you value the most in a work opportunity?

Is it the ability to express your creativity? Working from home? Or exercising your analytical capabilities?

Answer this question, and then look at what you wrote down. These should be the criteria for your job search. These should describe the company, position, environment where you fit and work at best. Because this is what the employer is mostly looking at.

One last word: don’t go it alone.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell others that you are looking for a job. Friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances can be your eyes and ears. Or they may mention your name to someone, introduce her to you. Just be specific, and let them know what exactly you are looking for work.

Actually, a second last word: believe in yourself.

Self-confidence is critical and needed for any success: professional, social, personal. It makes you move forward and grab opportunities when they arise.  So, don’t let stress from job searching loose your self confidence. And check out why if you lack of self confidence you are wrong.