Since most full-time American employees spend at least 40 hours a week at their jobs, work takes up a big portion of our lives.
For many people, looking for a job can be stressful. A job search can put a lot of pressure on someone, but there are ways to manage the stress effectively while making the job search successful.
Whether you’re a student looking for your first full-time role after graduation, or you’re a job seeker who needs or wants a new job, don’t dread the job search. Use the tips below to make it manageable as you find your next role.
Streamline your job search with Pipeline AZ resources. Take Pipeline AZ’s 5-minute Interests Assessment to see what careers match your interests. You’ll get job alerts that relate to your Interests Assessment to save time.
1. Focus on What You Want
A search on a job board could potentially result in hundreds or thousands of jobs. That’s a lot to wade through, which can quickly become overwhelming.
Before you begin your search, take time to determine what you want out of your next position. Think about factors like:
- Work environment: whether you want to be fully remote, you want a hybrid position or you’re OK with going into an office
- Work location: how far you’re willing to travel for work if you need to work on-site
- Salary: minimum salary that will cover your lifestyle needs
- Duties: tasks you’re not at all interested in doing at work
- Company Culture: if you align with the company’s personality, mission/vision, and community. Visit the Pipeline AZ company page to see information about Arizona companies
- Career Pathway Support: whether you desire tuition reimbursement and clear career laddering
- Well-Being: if the company that invests in its employees and demonstrates care for its people
Knowing these details will help you save time both in the application phase and if you get asked to interview. Job seekers continue to be in control, with high vacancy rates and 10.5 million job openings in the U.S. in January 2023. You don’t have to compromise on what you’re looking for out of a job.
There may be some job descriptions with some requirements that you may not meet, but if you’re interested in the role, don’t let that deter you from applying. Think of a job description as an employer’s wish list. Realistically, a candidate may not meet 100% of the requirements, but an employer may be willing to hire someone with the desire and drive to perform well in the role.
2. Create a Schedule
When you’re searching for a job, you’re in control of how you manage your time. For some people, it’s easy to get distracted by the TV or social media instead of focusing on a job search.
To make things easier, create a daily schedule that outlines how you’ll spend your time. Schedule in breaks so that you can recharge as you work on your job search.
Once you’ve signed up for Pipeline AZ and you’ve built your resume, you can work on tasks like:
- Applying for jobs
- Reading job seeker blogs
- Reaching out to professional contacts to let them know you’re on the job search
- Developing industry skills through a course
You might set a goal for what you accomplish each day. For example, you might aim to apply for five jobs a day, read one professional development or industry-related article a day, spend an hour a day working on a course and email one new person a day who may be able to help you on your job search.
You can also check out networking and industry events to attend and add those to your calendar. These can help you grow your professional network, learn more about working in your industry and discover resources for your career.
Every task you accomplish helps you make progress toward your goal. You don’t need to overload yourself to be productive. Focus on the quality of what you work on.
3. Focus on Well-Being
Work-life balance applies when your “work” is your job search. Consider supporting your well-being in the following areas so you can stay energized and motivated.
- Take care of your body: Movement and nutrition can help relieve stress and keep you feeling your best. Aim to exercise regularly and eat nutrient-packed foods to support your physical health.
- Boost your mental health: Emotional and social support can bolster resilience and improve self-esteem. Connect with loved ones and friends regularly so you feel supported.
- Find a mentor to inspire you: A professional mentor can help provide you with extra guidance on your job search journey, as well as help you expand your network. Get tips for finding a mentor and how to develop a mentor relationship here.
To protect your mental and physical health, make sure to take breaks throughout your job search days and regularly engage in activities that support your well-being.
4. Don’t Take Anything Personally
During a job search, you’re putting yourself out there, giving employers the ability to judge your skills and determine if you’re worthy of moving to the next step. It can be easy to get frustrated in such a mysterious process. You don’t know how exactly an employer is evaluating candidates and for what reason they may or may not be interested in you.
That’s why, it’s important to not take anything personally during your job search. Sometimes, decisions are made purely based on timing or internal connections. The employer may not have even been ready to post the job, but it went public anyway.
Make no assumptions about your worthiness as a candidate or, more importantly, as a person. Keep working on your daily job search tasks, and cultivate the mindset that something positive will result from your efforts.
Use Pipeline AZ to Streamline Your Job Search
Pipeline AZ is designed to help job seekers like you achieve their career dreams. Join today for free to get personalized opportunities that match your interests.
