How to Manage Job Search-Related Anxiety

How to Manage Job Search-Related AnxietyHow to Manage Job Search-Related AnxietyLooking for a new job can be fun and exciting, but may also bring some job search-related anxiety into a persons life, all at the same inopportune time.Just when you want to exude an attitude of calm, confident competence, you are placed in a situation in which you must manage a bunch of stressors. You have to work hard to find the right open positions and apply for them. You have to meet and communicate effectively with people you dont know. As you do so, you need to overcome your own personal doubts and convince a possible future boss that you have the skills, energy, and drive to be the perfect fit for the job.Add in the fact that, sometimes, youre doing all of this shortly after youve been laid off from your previous job, and its no wonder that hunting for a new position is not the favorite pastime for most people.That doesnt mean you should surrender to the anxiety that often accompanies a job search . Instead, by following a few simple suggestions, you can overcome the stress and find your path to success. Here are a few ideas to help manage job search-related anxietyBe patient and positive. This is important when youre looking for a job, but also difficult to achieve. An article from CIO says that setting up a routine and recognizing that your search will take time can help you build patience. In addition, maintaining a balanced life can help you stay positive. Regular exercise, volunteer work, spending quality time with friends and family in addition to networking and making career connections can help keep your spirits up, the article says.Stay active. If your anxiety is starting to tip into depression, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. However, as noted above, a little movement may be just the thing to help you rebuild some positivity. If youre feeling overwhelmed, take a break from scouring the job boards to go for a walk or a quick jog. Remaining physically act ive should be part of your daily routine, whether youve got a job or youre seeking something new.Do your homework. If the concerns that gnaw at your mind center on feeling unprepared, do something about it. Spend time researching the kind of position you want and the career path you hope to follow. Search for companies that offer the right kinds of jobs and cultures. Then learn all you can about those businesses and the people for whom you would work. The more knowledgeable and prepared you feel, the more confidence will replace doubt in your mind.Get organized. By creating structure and following a plan, you can make your job search feel manageable. An article from The Muse says this can also help you avoid defeatist thinking, and it suggests that you create step-by-step plans for tackling each piece of the job search like its any other work assignment. Breaking down the job search into smaller, more manageable tasks can help a big, daunting process feel less overwhelming and more within your control.Visualize success. According to an article from the the Cheat Sheet, this can help you push aside negative thoughts when youre talking to potential employers. Imagine yourself making a great first impression and being offered the job, the article says. See yourself in a relaxed, happy state. If you can create a vision of yourself as confident and knowledgeable, you will appear more relaxed during your interview. Use your support system. You likely have a network of family members and friends who would love to help you with your job hunt. Lean on them and seek their assistance during this challenging time. An article from Glassdoor says they will let you vent without judgment. This focus on networking will also increase your chances of getting hired by learning about job opportunities and others job-hunting experiences, the article says. The worst thing you can do is isolate yourself. Keeping to yourself during a time of crisis can fuel a vicious cycle that will only drive you further from your ultimate goal of re-employment.Seek professional help. For some people, the anxiety felt during a job search is indicative of a larger emotional or mental illness. For others, it may be based entirely on the unique situation of looking for work. In either situation, if youre struggling to keep pushing forward and stay balanced, consider talking to a professional counselor. He or she will be able to give you the tools you need to work through your problems and focus your energy on your job search instead of your anxiety.While searching for a new job will be difficult at least some of the time, remember that you can succeed. If youre prepared, organized, patient, and positive, you may even find joy in your journey toward a position that will be an excellent fit for you and your career aspirations.