Top Tips For Self-Care During The Job Search
By Dawn Rasmussen, CMP
Let’s face it. None of us would put “Get Rejected Today” at the top of our daily checklist. But during the job search, applicants get rejected all the time. Whether it is a lack of response from human resources or the hours lost working on an application that failed or the call letting you know that another candidate got the gig, it is rejection. And it really hurts.
In fact, news outlets across the U.S. have indicated that unemployment numbers are probably higher than reported simply because the statistics don’t include the people who have gotten too discouraged to look for work at all.
It’s pretty discouraging out there, and if you are looking for employment, you HAVE to take care of yourself to persevere and prevail.
The trick is to keep your head above the dark waters of depression so that you don’t drown during what is otherwise an ego-bashing experience. Self-care is important in keeping perspective and balance and in not falling into the self-pity trap of curling up in a ball, closing the curtains and pulling the blanket over your head, convinced that no one wants you.
Ever see the movie
Yes Man with Jim Carrey? He decides to start saying “yes” and opens himself up to letting life lead the way, versus being so busy telling everyone “no” that he ends up alone and cut-off from his friends and life. In shutting yourself out, you create zero opportunities for anything to happen. You have to try, and that’s what job searches are all about: trying.
If you are struggling with your job search, here are some tips to keep you swimming toward your employment goals.
1.
Rejection is not personal. Sure, easy enough for me to say, right? Any human resource manager will tell you that there are a million reasons why you weren’t the final candidate. Let’s put this in perspective: It’s not like a hiring manager woke up, jumped out of bed and proclaimed, “Today, I am going to make sure ___________ isn’t hired.” Sounds silly, but this puts the kibosh on thoughts that there is a “vendetta” against you.
2.
Create a job search plan and execute it. I've blogged about this in the past (April 9, 2009). One of the biggest problems with being unemployed is the loss of sense of structure, which alone can be self-defeating. Stay focused. Create a plan, follow it and chart your progress. If you feel that you aren’t doing enough, give yourself a quick kick in the keister and do something about it.
3. Volunteer. Volunteering is altruistic behavior, which releases endorphins—you know, the “feel good” hormone. Not only are you giving back, you are also giving your body a boost that it could really use right now. You’ll feel better, and you’ll also make your community a good place to live in, too.
4. Nurture and pamper yourself. While you need to gain traction on your efforts, you need to also give yourself a break. Looking for a job is a stressful, full-time job. You'll need to take breaks and reward yourself with fun activities to get some rest and relaxation time.
5. Get a cheerleader. Find a friend who is willing to be there for you, and call during your darkest hours. If you start finding yourself sliding into self-pity or frustration, you’ll need someone who will help hold you up. Your cheerleader can be just the shot in the arm to get you out of your funk.
6. Learn from your mistakes. If you think you goofed in an interview, then review what you think you did wrong, and use that information to learn how to answer the questions better. If you realized that you went about applying for a position the wrong way, or didn't leverage your contact list right, then use this information to hone your job search skills.
7. Get out of the house. The worst thing you can do is stay in one place. Successful job seekers are constantly on the move, making contacts, meeting people, learning things and having fun. Getting out can have a significant impact on your disposition. Remember, people are attracted to positive people; negative auras repel everyone. You need to make sure you maintain a positive outlook.
8. Don't give up. Don't talk yourself out of moving forward. It is absolutely OK to have your down days, but you can’t dwell there. You have to avoid getting a case of the “CCCCs”— on the Couch with the Curtains closed watching CNN and eating Cheetos. That isn’t going to get you a job. Remember, you need to nurture yourself to sustain the positive energy and psychological well-being it takes to look for work. Keep these tips in mind and avoid the pitfalls of falling into a bad place that ends up making you your own obstacle to getting hired.
DAWN RASMUSSEN, CMP, is the president of Portland, Ore.-based Pathfinder Writing and Careers, which specializes in hospitality/meeting professional resumés. She has been a meeting planner for more than 15 years and an MPI member since 2001. She can be reached at dawn@pathfindercareers.com.