Stress Less Job Hunters

Searching for jobs can be a frustrating endeavour. It’s a nerve-wracking decision, a strain on your finances and an anxious wait for responses from potential employers. It’s no wonder that job hunters get a little stir-crazy. Here’s a few things you can do to break up the job search without feeling guilty for wasting time or money.

1. Decide what you want and how you can get there. Will this role bridge you to your dream position or are you trying to skyrocket your salary? What are you capable of doing now and what do you enjoy? It could be interacting with people one-on-one, creative problem solving, physically creating something or organising details. Once you have a definitive list, compare it to what you thought you wanted. You can explore the personal traits required for the job by locating an interview, blog or autobiography from a person in the position.
2. Update your skills online. Look at how people in other countries handle your ideal position, watch that tutorial, follow that blog, subscribe to that newsletter or read that article. It will encourage your creative thinking and give you some great ideas for how to answer questions about problem solving in your upcoming interviews.
3. Exercise. 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical exercise most days, is proven to enhance your memory, lighten your mood and reduce stress. It doesn’t have to be a leg numbing workout, it can be as simple as walking to the supermarket or exploring a new part of the neighbourhood each week. Taking half an hour out of your job hunt to exercise will clear your mind and you may just stumble across another business worth applying to.
4. Listen to a podcast about the products, position or industry that you want to work in. It will help you relate your skills to current trends and inspire you to keep moving toward a job you’re passionate about. Maybe while you’re getting that 30 minutes of exercise?
5. Volunteer. It’s free, flexible and it makes you feel good. More than that though, it’s a great way to make connections. Pick an organisation or a role that relates to your next job and not only will you have a great addition to your resume, but you might just meet the person who leads you to employment.