10 Ways To Reduce Job Search Anxiety

With the recent surge in layoffs, more people are finding themselves searching for new roles. With that comes an increase in job search anxiety. One reason is that the competition is stiff, given the number of qualified people looking for work. In addition, your industry can play a major role in how many relevant jobs are available. As a result, the job search can take longer than anticipated. In fact, new information from the Labor Department indicates that it’s taking unemployed workers longer to find new roles than it did a year ago. According to the 2022 data, 826,000 unemployed workers were out of work for 3 ½ to 6 months in December, up 36% from April.

Despite the current economic situation, there are healthy ways to deal with job search anxiety. Let’s examine the top ten.

1. Find support

One of the best ways to reduce job search anxiety is to find comfort in your support system. Whether it's friends or family, surround yourself with people who are positive and value you for more than your job. Another idea is to look for job-hunting groups on LinkedIn, Facebook or Meetup. In addition, you may want to engage a career coach to support you. Finally, if depression or feelings of hopelessness start to interfere with your daily life, consider enlisting the help of a counselor or therapist.

2. Know where you stand financially

Another way to relieve job search anxiety is to get your finances in order immediately. Begin by reviewing your cash flow and net worth. Knowing where you stand will help you identify areas where you can cut back. It can also give you insight into how much runway you have before considering a different job search strategy.

3. Maintain a schedule

Job search anxiety also sets in because we’ve lost our sense of structure. To get that back, approach your search methodically. Set a work schedule that aligns with the goals you want to achieve each day. Then, create a daily checklist each morning (or the night before). Your routine may look something like this:

• Make a list of five to 10 positions to apply to
• Prepare resumes and cover letters for each position
• Dedicate at least two hours per day to networking
• Spend at least one hour per day developing a new skill
• Take regular breaks—especially if you can get outdoors

Full article @ https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2023/04/16/10-ways-to-reduce-job-search-anxiety/?sh=416828d3273a