BE KIND TO YOURSELF WHEN JOB SEARCHING

Establish Healthy Boundaries

If job hunting has become your full-time job, then it’s important to establish a work/life balance just as you would in any role.

Have set hours in which you apply for jobs and ensure your day is varied to avoid burnout. Start the morning with whatever kick starts your day well –For example- exercise or meditate– and have a set time-frame in which you apply for jobs, with regular breaks.

Have a cut-off point in the day for applications and give yourself something to look forward to in the late afternoon or evening.

Set Realistic Goals

Securing a job might be your overall goal, but it’s important to set yourself smaller, controllable aims in the interim.  

For example, you might say ‘I’m going to apply for one job today and attend an online networking session’– and once you’ve done that, you can give yourself a little fist pump and celebrate that win.

Focus on Quality rather than Quantity

It can be tempting to apply for every job you see when you’re desperate for a job – but doing so could have a detrimental impact on your chances of success. Instead, targeting your search – and focusing on the quality of your applications – is likely to boost your chances.  

A great little trick is to think about the jobs that you’ve done, what you’ve enjoyed in those roles, where you want to go next career-wise, and then start writing a job description for yourself around that!

Allow Yourself to Feel Low

Allow yourself to experience your feelings; anxiety, frustration and sadness are all normal.  Try to empathise with yourself in a difficult situation – remind yourself that it’s OK to feel uncertain about the future.

Be Kind to Yourself

Be kind to yourself, both in your words and in your actions. If you find you are focusing on your failures, try to shift the narrative. Speak to yourself more positively – rather than ‘I’m so useless’ try ‘I’ve done really well to get through another difficult day of job applications at such a tough time – well done me.’

Practise self-care – sleep enough, eat well, exercise and maintain a balance – do things you enjoy as well.

Give yourself a Break

It’s very important that you take some time out – especially if you’ve lost your social network from work. You can create that in different ways, whether it’s through online networking, volunteering, offering support to local small businesses and offering your services. It’s just about doing something with your time besides looking for work.

If you would like to find out more or get some assistance please book a discovery call on 0402 290 872 or email bernadette@tailormaderesumes.com.au I am here to help and be of service.