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October 16, 2009
Managing the Stress of the Job Search
We in the CSO know how stressful the job search can be. We’ve all been in your shoes at one time and, the good news for you is: we survived it! And so will you. With the Fall Interview Program winding down, the CSO has seen more students stopping in to talk about their rising anxiety and stress with their job search. And the economy isn’t helping the stress levels, either. The CSO wants to remind you that the Fall Interview Program is only one small part of the job search process; there are still many excellent opportunities out there – and one of them has your name on it!
As you head into Fall Break, the CSO wants to encourage you to take some time to evaluate your current job search strategy (and if you’ve been putting off your job search, to take some time to think about your job search goals) and prepare yourself for diving into your job search full steam ahead when you return to school next week. Having a good strategy in place can help keep stress levels in check.
The following article, provided to us by our friends at the University of Minnesota Law School CSO, provides some excellent advice for managing the stress of a job search.
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum
Reducing and managing stress is one of the keys to a successful search. Too much stress and you appear desperate. Not enough and people question your motivation. Only you can decide how much stress is the right amount! Here are seven steps you can take to significantly lower stress, improve your effectiveness, and ultimately shorten your job hunt.
1. Have a realistic understanding of how long a job search takes. Many job seekers have an unrealistic time frame for finding their next job. It always takes longer than you think. When you don’t have a realistic expectation for how long it can take it is easy to feel stressed out.
2. Develop a job search action plan. Map out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Set specific daily and weekly goals; then develop a contingency plan for when Plan A doesn’t work. Once your plan is in place and you are emotionally prepared – take action!
3. Reduce unnecessary expenses immediately. Minimizing financial responsibilities and maximizing financial resources will significantly reduce stress. This is not the time to go stress shopping. The greater your financial resources the more flexibility you have to accept the right job offer rather than grabbing the first one that comes along.
4. Think of your job search as a job. Consider putting specific job search activities on your calendar and treat them like a job.
5. Spend time on the right activities. Do spend time developing high quality marketing materials – like a résumé, cover letter, and reference list; networking with friends and colleagues who can connect you to the right people or opportunities; and following up with potential employers. Don’t spend hours on the internet searching job boards for the ‘right’ job. Instead use the internet to research organizations, gain information about specific industries, and network with people who can assist with your search.
6. Evaluate your progress on a weekly basis. Stay on top of your search so that you can tell immediately if your search starts to stall and take steps to get it back on track. Assess what is working – do more of it. Determine what isn’t working and revise your approach.
7. Take time to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Looking for a job, especially when you don’t have one, is something you carry around 24/7. Remind yourself to set regular office hours and knock off at a reasonable hour. That includes taking time off on the weekends. Take a walk, go to the gym, escape with a good book, or have coffee with a friend.
Be sure to touch base with your CSO counselor when you return from Fall Break; she can help you set up or refine your game plan, as well as point you towards resources that will help you identify potential opportunities.
Posted by hdd5 at October 16, 2009 09:16 AM