How to Manage Job Hunting Stress

Tina’s top tips on How to Manage Job Hunting Stress.

The start of a new year is often a motivator to look for a fresh challenge. “A bit of down time during the seasonal break often gives us the opportunity to review our options and if job satisfaction is waning or your work-life balance is out of sync then looking for a new job can become a top priority to kick start the year,” explains Big Sky Additions associate director, Tina Maguire.

The job hunting process is often time consuming and can quickly become a full time job in its own right: “While its important to take your job hunt seriously to maximise your chances of success, it needn’t become a stressful experience,” continues Tina, who specialises in recruiting for temporary and permanent accountancy roles at all levels in the Norfolk area. “There are some simple strategies you can employ to minimise your job hunting stress which in turn should have a positive impact upon your outcome,” she adds.

1 Listen to music

“When you’re working on your CV or getting dressed for an impending job interview, play some of your favourite tunes – music has been proven to help you relax and in turn it can often help you to stay focused on the task in hand,” explains Tina.

2 Go somewhere different

“If you’re in between jobs then keep things interesting and make the most of your time off work rather than sitting at home staring blankly at the computer all day,” suggests Tina. Take your laptop with you to the library or a café with internet access: “A decent cup of coffee and a change of environment might be just what you need to energise your job hunt and reduce your stress levels.”

3 Enrol in a workshop or training course

“This is a great way to keep abreast of industry changes and ensure your skills are right up to date,” advises Tina. “Learning a new skill can be a great confidence booster and networking with students and lecturers in your industry may open doors to job opportunities which haven’t yet been advertised.”

4 Involve friends and family

Often those closest to you are the first to suffer the brunt of your frustration when job hunting gets stressful. “Job hunting in isolation is no fun – involve your friends and family by asking them to proofread your CV and try to connect into their wider networks in case they come across any suitable opportunities,” Tina concludes. “Getting everyone involved will make it a more enjoyable process all round.”

For further advice on How to Manage Job Hunting Stress contact Tina