Written By: Steven Kapetyn, Youth Employment Counsellor
Job searching can be a stressful experience in life, whether
you are looking for the first time or finding a new job. The pressure you put
on yourself or someone puts on you to find a job can be a lot and can take a toll
on your mental, emotional, and sometimes your physical health. That's why
prioritizing self-care during this process is important. Here is a list of
strategies that could help you take care of yourself while navigating job
searching.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Start by setting realistic goals in what you want to achieve
in your job search. Instead of overwhelming yourself with the idea of applying
to lots of jobs at once. Whether it be in-person or online applications, focus
on a smaller number per day that may be in the same industry. This will allow
you to not have to change up your resume as much. Also, make a list of the jobs
you have applied to. It is beneficial for you to know what companies and jobs
you applied to. It also allows you to see the number of jobs you applied to and
the amount of work you are putting into your job search.
2. Establish a Routine
Create a daily routine for applying to jobs. It will provide
structure and stability during your job search. You may say to yourself that
you will set 30 minutes or 4 hours a day or every other day to job search and
apply for jobs. At the beginning of the week, schedule in the times when you
are going apply for jobs whether it be in-person or online. Do not forget to schedule breaks and time for
activities you enjoy, this will help you recharge and stay motivated.
3. Take Breaks
Job searching can be mentally exhausting. It is important to
be kind to yourself and take regular breaks to prevent burnout. Get away from
your computer, go for a walk, practice mindfulness, or engage in a hobby. These
short pauses can boost your productivity and creativity when you return to your
search.
4. Stay Connected with the people around you
Ensure you are maintaining your connections with friends and
family, who can provide support to you. Share your highs and lows and experiences
with them. They can offer encouragement, help with networking, and help you in
editing your resume and job searching strategies. Everyone has a story about
their job search journey and by staying connected with the people can remind
you that you're not alone in your journey.
5. Physical Health
Your physical well-being is closely linked to your mental
state. Make sure you are eating properly, staying hydrated, and getting enough
sleep. Regular exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, can enhance your mental
wellbeing and energy levels.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate how much work you are doing.
Whether the wins are small or big it is important for you to recognize what you
have done. The win could be applying to a certain amount of jobs, landing an
interview, or getting out of your comfort zone and networking. By celebrating
these small and big wins it can boost your motivation and remind you of your
progress.
7. Maintain a Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset to the best of your ability through
the whole job search process is important. Rejection or not hearing anything
from an employer is a common part of the job search process, and it can be
tough to handle depending on your mindset. Focusing on building a positive
mindset by reminding yourself about your strengths and the unique qualities you
bring to potential employers. Keeping a list of your wins and what your
grateful for can help shift your thought process and highlight the positive
aspects of your job search journey.
Job searching can be challenging, it is important to
prioritize self-care during this time. Self-care will contribute positively to your job search no matter how long it
takes to secure a job. Remember, taking care of yourself is not just beneficial
for your mental health, it also enhances your ability to present your best self
to potential employers. Embrace the process, and don’t forget to take care of
yourself along the way.
Do you need support with job searching, resume building or having
a better understanding on what you want to do in the future? Visit the Youth
Employment Centre, we are here to support you and guide you through this
sometime difficult and frustrating process.
If you are looking for a Mental Health support, here are a
few resources.
Conneteen: https://calgaryconnecteen.com/
Calgary Distress Centre: https://distresscentre.com/
Calgary Counseling: https://calgarycounselling.com/
Recovery College: https://recoverycollegecalgary.ca/