Job hunting can be quite stressful. Not hearing back from employers, rejection emails and the never-ending interviews can cause despair. If you’re feeling stressed because of job hunting, your state of mind will reveal itself during interviews – no matter how hard you try to hide it.
Take a break and think about these things;
1. Tailor your CV/resume to the job description.
Your CV/resume is the first impression an employer will have of you before they have the chance to actually meet you in person. This means that you have to make a lasting impression which makes them eager to invite you for an interview. Therefore, you have to tailor your CV/resume to fit the job description of the position you applied for. Remember to be honest with what you include on your CV/resume.
2. Check your work experience and qualifications.
Before applying for a role, make sure that you have thoroughly read the job description for the position. This is where you will find the age requirements, skills, education and the kind of expectations the employer has. Make sure that you qualify for the position before you apply such that you are not disappointed when you do not get called for an interview. Also remember to narrow your job search to positions that you’re actually qualified for.
3. Boost your networking.
It is important to use every opportunity available to you in your search for a job. Thinking outside the box with your job search will make things a lot less stressful. If you’ve been reading newspapers only, try searching online and also signing up to platforms like ProInterns that will keep you updated of new opportunities. Also having an account on sites like LinkedIn will help you create visibility for yourself to potential employers.
4. There might not be many jobs available in your field.
The frustration with job hunting might be due to external factors and not your personal shortcomings. You might be looking for a job in a field that isn’t yet explored or hasn’t fully grown in your area of residence. This therefore means that the number of job opportunities is limited and therefore competition for these opportunities is really high. But that doesn’t mean that you should give up or change your entire career. Keep on the look-out for opportunities and also improve and grow your skills and education such that when the opportunity finally knocks at your door, you’ll be more than ready to take it on.
5. Take a moment to relax and recharge.
When you are continuously rejected, it will inevitably affect your attitude and also cause self-doubt and a lack of optimism. This will then be reflected during your interviews no matter how much you think you’re hiding it. So take time off to relax, reflect, get some rest, have fun and eat healthy. This is important because you’ll come back better and ready to continue with the search and you’ll be better during interviews if you’re more relaxed.