Company Updates

The top 6 tips for job search anxiety

May 15, 2023
Picture of Amarah ranger

Amarah ranger

Meet Amarah, one of Boden Group's divisional managers leading the engineering team. In addition to her excellent management skills, she's also one of our mental health first aiders, demonstrating her dedication to creating a supportive and caring work environment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your job search? You’re not alone. It can be challenging to find the right opportunity, especially with the competition out there.

This article will discuss the signs of job search anxiety and provide tips on how to manage it.

  • What is Job Search Anxiety?
  • Job Search Anxiety Warning Signs
  • 7 tips for job search anxiety
  • How you can beat job search anxiety
Job Search Anxiety

What is job search anxiety?

It’s normal to feel anxious while searching for a job. There are many reasons why you might feel anxious during a job search:
 
  • Uncertainty about the future: It’s natural to feel anxious about the future when you’re not sure what your next job will be. In fact, 53% say they’ve felt like they lost a piece of their identity during the job hunt process.  You may worry about your financial security, whether you have the qualifications to land a suitable job, or if you can find a job that you’ll enjoy.
  • The pressure of interviewing: Interviews can be stressful. You may feel pressure to make a good impression or answer difficult questions. You might feel that you don’t have the necessary qualifications for the job.
  • The fear of rejection: It’s normal to be afraid of rejection. After all, no one likes to be told that they’re not good enough. But it’s important to remember that rejection is a part of life. Everyone experiences it at some point.

Job search anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways. This might include physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach discomfort, and difficulty sleeping. It can also result in emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and low self-confidence.

Job Search Anxiety Warning Signs

It can be tough to manage anxiety. It’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs to help you overcome them.
 
The following symptoms can characterise job search anxiety:
  • Difficulty focusing on job search tasks
  • Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
  • Avoiding job search tasks
  • Feeling agitated
  • Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping.
It’s important to take steps to manage your job search anxiety. If you feel like it’s taking over your job search, you might want to talk to a friend or loved one. If it’s overwhelming, you could seek support from a mental health professional.
 
Taking care of your mental and physical well-being should always be a top priority. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Reminder about the warning signs of job search anxiety
The top 6 tips for job search anxiety 1

need help with getting ready for your job search?

Supercharge Your Job Search with 13 FREE Templates!

7 tips for job search anxiety:

Chill out: Job search anxiety is normal.

It’s normal to feel anxious during a job search. After all, your job is a major source of your income, identity, and social status. It’s reported that 73% of job seekers are stressed. So it’s no wonder that you might feel stressed about finding a new one.

The job search process takes time. Don’t expect to find a new job overnight. The job search process can be long and frustrating. It’s important that you keep in mind that it takes time to find the right job. Don’t get discouraged if your job search takes longer than you anticipated. Keep putting in the effort and remain persistent.

It’s also important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Everyone feels anxious about the job search at some point.

job search anxiety statistics

Don't compare yourself to others. Your journey is your own.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others when you are job searching. You might see your friends or family members getting new jobs, and you might start to feel like you’re not good enough. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. You’re on your own path, and it’s okay if it takes you longer to find the right job.

It’s important to focus on your own journey. Don’t spend time worrying about what other people are doing when it comes to job searching. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel discouraged if you’re not progressing as they are. Yet, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Celebrate your own successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments and be proud of what you’ve achieved.

It’s also important to remember that everyone is different. Each person has their own unique set of skills, experiences, and qualifications. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on your own strengths and how you can use them to your advantage.

Be patient when searching for a new job. It can take time to find the right fit. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep putting in the effort and remain persistent. Remember that finding a new job is a process, and with patience and determination, you’ll get there.

Take a step back: It's okay to take a break from your job search.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out from your job search, it’s okay to take a break. Sometimes, the best way to find a new job is to step away from the process for a while.

It’s important to take care of both your mental and physical health during the job search. You might want to go for a walk, read a book, or spend time with loved ones. Taking a break can help you recharge and refocus.

Searching for a job can be a stressful and time-consuming process. It’s easy to neglect your well-being in the process. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day. Prioritise self-care activities like exercise and healthy eating, and get enough sleep. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of job searching.

woman taking a break from work

Remember that finding the right job takes time, and it’s important to approach the search process with a healthy mindset. Don’t push yourself too hard or let the search consume your life. Take breaks when you need them and remember to prioritise your well-being.

A healthy balance will help you achieve your job search goals while maintaining your mental and physical health.

Find your zen: Relaxation techniques can help reduce job search anxiety.

The job search can be a stressful experience. It’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress during your job search. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine can help reduce job search anxiety.

There are many different relaxation techniques to try. Such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

It’s also important to take care of your overall well-being during the job search process. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself can help reduce stress and promote a more positive mindset.

Remember, job searching can be a challenging process. It’s important to take care of yourself along the way. You’ll approach your search with a calmer and more confident mindset. Find what works for you and make time for it each day.

woman mediating at her desk

Talk it out: If you're struggling, talk to someone you trust.

It’s important to talk about your struggles with someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who you feel comfortable talking to. Talking about your struggles can help you to feel less alone and can give you some perspective on your situation. It can also help you to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with your struggles.

If you’re not sure who to talk to, there are many resources available to help you find someone to talk to. You can call a hotline, visit a website, or talk to a counselor at your school or work. There are also many online forums and chat rooms where you can connect with other people who are struggling.

You’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Get help if you need it: Speak to a recruiter to see how they can help.

If you’re struggling with your job search, don’t be afraid to get help. A recruiter can be a valuable resource during your job search. They can help you with your CV, cover letter, and interview skills. They can also help you find job openings that match your skills and interests.

You don’t have to go through your job search alone. A recruiter can be a valuable asset to help you find the right job for you.

contact boden group for your job search

So, how can you Beat Job Search Anxiety?

The good news is that there are many ways to manage job search anxiety.

Remember that job search anxiety is a common experience that many people go through, and you’re not alone. With time and effort, you can learn to manage your anxiety and find success in your job search. So, take a deep breath, give yourself a break, and remember that we’re here to help you with your job search!

don't forget to share this post!

related articles