BLOGS

Finding work is a lot of work: Here's how to fight fatigue and make the most of your job hunt.

With 372,000 new jobs added in June, low unemployment rates that rival pre-pandemic levels, and a demand for workers that continues to rise, now sounds like a great time to find a new job.

But so much talk about the current job market being candidate-driven makes it even more confusing and discouraging for those who continue to struggle to find work.

In reality, finding a job is rarely simple.

If you're becoming frustrated, demotivated, and burnt out by your job search process, you're not alone, but there are things you can do to ensure that the time and energy you invest in your job hunt are meaningful and effective.

Here is everything you need to know about job search burnout: what makes the job search so exhausting, why job seekers get burnt out, and the tips we suggest to make your job search process as efficient and rewarding as possible.

Why is the Job Search So Tiring?

Between perusing job postings online, filling out lengthy applications, and conducting company research, job seekers are prone to overexerting themselves before ever making it to the interview.

And, unfortunately, this preparatory process rarely happens just once. In most cases, job applicants will need to repeat this cycle multiple times before they land a position.

Job hunting also acts as a compounding stressor on top of all the other things one has to worry about, including anxiety from being unemployed or stress generated by the job they are looking to leave.

Lastly, the job hunt can be an emotional rollercoaster. All of the energy one pours into searching, applying, and interviewing for a position makes it that much more discouraging when something doesn't pan out-and the ever-present possibility of rejection leads to a repeating cycle of pre- and post-interview anxiety.

What Causes Job Search Burnout?

Not Setting Boundaries

One leading cause of job search fatigue is the failure to set limits on how much one will allow their job search to affect other aspects of their life.

As we've discussed, the process of finding a job is often anxiety-inducing and disappointing: What's more, it takes over two months, on average, to find a new job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - meaning that those feelings of anxiety and disappointment can build up over time if not appropriately managed.

For this reason, it's critical to establish boundaries on things like how much time daily/weekly you will dedicate to your job search as well as how long you will allow yourself to mourn the loss of a job opportunity: Otherwise, the job search can consume you, and ultimately make you want to give up.

Not Being Strategic 

The other biggest pitfall leading to job search burnout comes from a lack of strategy.

Commonly, job seekers will try to apply for as many jobs as possible, sending their resumes to any position with a relevant job title in an attempt to maximize their outreach to potential employers.

However, the energy spent on applications that aren't aligned with one's skills and values often goes to waste, leaving one with less energy to apply for more appropriate positions.

Our Tips for Avoiding Job Search Burnout

1. Identify your values

This is a critical step in your job search because it will allow you to approach each job application with intention.

Begin by identifying why you're looking for a new job, as well as why you're looking for a new job right now.

By answering these two questions, you can concretely establish what's important to you in your next position: This will help you narrow down your choices and focus your efforts strategically on companies and roles that align with your priorities.

2. Create a Game Plan

Set aside a predetermined amount of time that you wish to spend on your job search.

This can be a daily or weekly allotment, depending on your schedule and needs, but it's important to carve out time that you can commit to consistently.

It can also help to have a checklist of things you need to accomplish to optimize your job search results.

This may include things like updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, ensuring that you have interview-appropriate attire, or even tidying up your home workspace in preparation for virtual interviews.

3. Prepare Mentally

Before your scheduled job search time begins, take some time to prepare yourself mentally.

Do things that put you in a good mental space, such as turning on energizing music or going for a walk: whatever will brighten your mood and bring you positive energy before you begin searching and applying for jobs.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

It's true that a lot of the job search is out of your control: If a company has already decided to proceed with another candidate, for example, there's nothing you can do to change that.

However, there are plenty of aspects of your job hunt that you can control.

You might, for instance, ask your interviewer to share why they felt you weren't a good fit for a position after receiving a rejection letter: Choosing to ask for feedback from hiring teams can give you tremendous insights on what you can change or improve for your next interview opportunity.

Other examples of things you can control include bolstering your resume with additional credentials and certifications, or enlisting the help of staffing professionals (like our team of experts here at FrankCrum Staffing) for resume advice, interview coaching, and job placement assistance.

In Conclusion

We know that the job search can be a frustrating process - but we also know what it takes to help you avoid burnout and take strides toward reaching your career goals.

With resume reviews, one-on-one interview coaching, skills testing, and training programs, FrankCrum Staffing has everything you need to help prepare for your most successful job search. Call us today at 888-670-1844 to learn more about our support services for job seekers!