Managing Job Search Fatigue
Depending on your industry, finding a job right now is feast or famine. In some cases, employers are eager for qualified applicants. In others, they are inundated with resumes. If you’re in the latter situation, you might be feeling a bit of job search fatigue. Some even call it “job search burnout.”
“Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” —Mary Anne Radmacher
While it’s disappointing to send out dozens of resumes and receive an equal number of rejections, many experts say patience and persistence will eventually help you find that next great career move. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do along the way to avoid the despair of burnout.
- Be strategic.
While it’s tempting to apply for every job you see, this can quickly leave you overwhelmed. Strive for quality over quantity. In other words, look for jobs that truly align with your experience and career goals. Then, spend the time tailoring your resume and other materials so that they strongly represent your skills and align with the job’s expectations. Taking the time to be focused with a quality application submitted to five companies can yield more positive results than sending an identical resume for 25 job openings.
- Maximize your networking.
Recruiters and many other professionals look for talent on LinkedIn. So, it’s important to keep your profile current to connect with others in your career field and to engage with them by sharing, liking or commenting on content. Being visible can help you get noticed.
- Schedule informational meetings.
Make a list of the top 10 companies where you would like to work. Then, search for relevant contacts at each company on LinkedIn. Perhaps you have mutual contacts or alumni from your college who work there. Once you’ve identified someone, request an informational interview. During your meeting, learn more about the company and express genuine interest in the person’s opinion and knowledge about your career field. If things go well, these individuals will become part of your network and potentially could alert you to opportunities in the future.
- Get feedback.
Ask a friend or trusted colleague to review your resume. Are there any improvements you can make? Does your resume showcase your skills and experience in a way that aligns with the jobs for which you’re applying? Would you benefit from professional input from a resume service or career coach?
- Take a break.
Depending on your situation, it might be helpful to take a break for a day, a week or several weeks. It’s easy to become consumed by the job hunt, dedicating all your free time to the search. But much like a vacation from work, your mind needs a vacation from the job search as well. Take some time to do something fun or personally rewarding so that when you come back to the hunt, you feel energized and ready to continue your search.
When you’re in the throes of the job hunt, it can be hard to stay positive when your search seems to be dragging on longer than you’d like. Maybe you didn’t get that call for an interview today. But, can you hear the call of courage? Try again tomorrow.
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