Self-Care Tips To Ease Your Job Search Blues

Let’s face it—searching for a new job is stressful at the best of times, and the longer your search goes on, the harder of a toll it can take on your mental health. To avoid the burnout associated with doing too much, it’s important to incorporate self-care strategies into your routine.

When things seem tough, it’s important to take a step back and prioritize your mental health. We’ve looked at what career experts believe to be some of the most efficient and reassuring self-care tips so that you can take care of yourself and come out on top in your career journey!

Pay attention to your needs

At its most basic level, all self-care needs to start with looking after your physical well-being. It’s hard to grow and succeed if you’re neglecting your needs in favor of accomplishing your job-seeking goals.

“There has been a lot of research proving that physical exercise provides countless mental health benefits, including alleviating anxiety, minimizing stress, and increasing brain function.” –Ashley Wilson

At the very least, you need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating right, and getting in some exercise. It’s extremely easy to forget, or at least prioritize, your psychical well-being when you feel the pressure to find a job, especially when you really need the money. But eventually, you’ll begin to feel the neglect catch up with you.

Balance your time

When it comes to job search specific self-care, learning how to balance your time effectively is crucial. Finding a job is important, but you can’t let the search control your every waking minute.

The best way to start is to plan out your day and create a daily schedule, writes Lindsay E. Mack. Use a calendar scheduling app to plan out your day, making sure to include necessary breaks. Adding in time limits on certain tasks will keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

Not only with this help your mental health, but having a balanced approach will make sure you’re covering all of your job search bases and not leaving any avenues behind. Check out this example calendar from career coach Hannah Morgan as a place to get started.

Be social

When applying for jobs, don’t make the mistake of isolating yourself. Spending time with others in both a professional and friendly capacity can make the search easier to bare.

The Washington Post’s Danielle Paquette says that there are actual support groups for job seekers, providing a place for others going through the same things to connect. With the prevalence of LinkedIn and the availability of university alumni groups, these types of groups are even easier to find than ever.

“[M]eeting people has so many benefits to your mental health and to your job search! Engaging with others helps you keep a healthy balance during your job search, plus you never know who may have a hot job lead for you.” –Mac Prichard

Hannah Morgan writes that having an “accountability buddy” can help. Not only will this person make sure you’re working toward your milestones, but they can provide a fresh perspective to help you see things clearly.

Learn something new

If you want to take a break from what you’ve been doing but still want to focus on something career-related, there’s always the option of learning a new skill. We’ve evolved into a skills-based hiring cycle, and learning a new skill can be very rewarding.

Forbes’ Christine Y. Cruzvergara mentions the plethora of free or affordable online courses available for job seekers. Not only can you earn something that can go on a resume, but you might meet new friends or someone that can help your search!

Step away

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is take a step away from your search and do something fun. It may seem counter-intuitive, but having some fun is not only good for your mental well-being but a good way to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

Mac Prichard suggests getting out of the house and trying something new if possible. This can reinvigorate your life and help you keep things in perspective.

Career coach Emily Liou says that a sense of detachment in the job search is a good thing. Learning how to not take the search personally, handle the rejection well, and accept that something will come along is a healthy mindset. Knowing when to step back is part of embracing this mindset.

“As a jobseeker, the best state you can come from in your search is from a state of detachment: reminding yourself that a rejection isn’t personal, and you will find a great job or something even better down the line.” –Emily Liou

Wrap up

Some of the above tips may seem obvious, but knowing and doing aren’t the same. Are you making yourself a priority during your search? Sometimes the first step is simply recognizing you need a change or a break in routine so that you can get to where you need to be mentally. By embracing the above stratagems, you’ll be putting yourself in a good position to reduce burnout and find the career you deserve.

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Dispelling Modern Job Search Myths

Finding a new job can often feel like a Herculean endeavor thanks to the sheer amount of options and competition out there. The good news for job seekers is that it’s never been easier to find helpful advice to assist your search. The bad news is that some of that advice, while well-meaning, is inaccurate. There are a lot of job search myths out there, and it can be tough to find the right answers.

Thankfully, experts like Forbes’ Caroline Castrillon have done a little myth-busting to provide clarity. We take a deep look at Caroline’s five most common job search myths and add a few of our own insights.

Job searching is a numbers game

The “spray-and-pray” method of job seeking makes sense on paper (and online too!). If there are so many available openings and it’s so easy to apply for them, why shouldn’t you mass send out applications and hope for the best?

Caroline says that this approach will only lead to burnout, and rejection can take its toll. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. You’ll have a much better time if you look for jobs you actually want and put effort into your application.

You can go above and beyond by carefully using keywords in your application materials and utilizing your network. Standing out as a quality applicant is better than hoping to win the job lottery.

Cover letters are irrelevant

Let’s be honest—writing cover letters often feels like a chore, and many hiring managers and recruiters admit they don’t look at them. Knowing this, it can feel like writing one is a waste of time, but Caroline disagrees.

Your cover letter presents the unique opportunity to directly tell the employer why you’re the best fit and how you can fulfill their needs. You can also use the letter as an opportunity to explain any gaps in your resume and preemptively answer any questions about your qualifications.

“83% of recruiters agree that, although not strictly necessary, knowing how to write a cover letter and sending one gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are a great fit for the company you are applying for.” –ResumeLab

You must fulfill all job requirements

Job descriptions can be intimidating, especially if you feel like you don’t meet all the requirements. But don’t get discouraged!

Job descriptions are mostly wishlists. It’s rare that the final candidate is a 100% match for every item. Caroline says it’s especially common for women and new professionals to hesitate if they don’t meet all of the requirements. Bet on yourself and apply for the job anyway. This is a great time to use your cover letter to explain why you’re the best fit!

“Cover letters are also a great place to reemphasize your value. While your resume might show the hiring manager that you don’t have the years of experience they’re looking for, your cover letter can be used to fill the gaps and explain why you think you have the skills to do the job regardless of your time in the workforce.” –Janet T. Phan, Harcard Business Review

If you want to help shore the gap between your qualifications, take time to highlight how your transferable skills will help you excel at the role, writes Avery Blank. Soft skills are in high demand and could make a difference in your favor.

Be wary of companies on a hiring freeze

This one makes a lot of sense on paper. If a company announces a hiring freeze, the logic is that they aren’t hiring at all. But Caroline says there are more opportunities than you’d think.

If a role is important enough and an internal option isn’t the best fit, the company will need to look outside. In fact, you may have an advantage if you apply since others will believe there isn’t an opening.

It can be tricky to find some of these openings, but remember that not every job is openly posted. Learn how to utilize your network to access the hidden job market and find the roles other candidates are missing out on.

Don’t directly connect with the hiring manager

Many job seekers are reluctant to directly contact a hiring manager, assuming they’ll be annoying them or that their message will get lost in the void. But Caroline argues there is no reason not to reach out.

“In a competitive landscape, any opportunity to make yourself stand out as a candidate is a good thing. You might even learn valuable information that can help strengthen your cover letter and prepare you for a future interview.” -Caroline Castrillon

With the ease of technology, especially access to LinkedIn, it’s easy to find a way to connect. But consultant Samantha McKenna says to make sure you’re doing it the right way. Be polite and respectful of their time, don’t be pushy, and don’t ask for anything. Simply introduce yourself and briefly explain the value you’d offer. You’ll stand out—and in a good way!

Wrap up

There is some logic to some of the above myths, but we hope Caroline’s advice can clarify some of your job search questions. Having a clear view of how the modern job search works will give you a leg up on the competition and will better help you find the role you seek.

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The Most Recession-Proof Jobs For 2023

Experts believe that the country is heading towards a recession, meaning jobs could become scarce despite the great number of openings in recent years. But if you’re looking for a new career, you’ll do your best to keep applying and networking regardless.

While some industries will be more difficult to break into, others are more “recession-proof.” We’ve looked at our own experience as recruiters and looked to experts nationwide to find the most recession-proof industries. If you’ve got the skills and experience to be choosy with your targeted industries, you’ll find these industries the safest to conduct your search.

Healthcare

While there are often many conflicting opinions on the most recession-proof industries, one that almost everyone seems to agree on is the healthcare and medical industry. These industries saw consistent growth during the pandemic and continue to grow.

Investopedia found healthcare one of the industries least affected by the Great Resignation and has traditionally done well in economic downturns. It makes sense—medical care is always important, and the industry is filled with openings at all levels. Our own experiences agree, and we’ve continued to find success working with healthcare companies. See if any of our current openings are right for you on our job board!

Financial services

When money is tight, people are more likely to be cautious with their savings and look to the experts for advice. This means that financial professionals at all levels will continue to do well even in a recession.

James Hornick of Hirewell discussed that traditional ‘money’ industries, including financial services, real estate, and banking, continue to do well and bring in talent, and that of Hirewell’s open jobs, 17.7% of their openings are in banking and financial services.

“Finances and taxes are a necessary part of life, so people in these professions usually have plenty of job security.” –Coursera

Private banking is doing particularly well as people look for advice. CBS News found that the annual median salary for private bankers went up 25%.

Trades

Just as healthcare and financial help will always be necessary no matter the state of the economy, infrastructure will need to be repaired and systems need to be kept running. These factors mean that skilled trades will always be in demand.

“People still need power, they still need gas for their homes, that type of thing.” –Morgan Llewellyn, Jobvite

Fast Company’s Gwen Morgan found that the reoccurring nature of utilities and the constant need to upgrade and repair important systems means that those with skilled trades have a good measure of job security—a boon in uncertain times.

Education

You’ll notice a theme in many of these industries—they must persist through any economy thanks to being ingrained in our society. As such, it should be no surprise that teachers are always in high demand.

Coursera believes both K-12 education and higher education will continue to ramp up hiring during a recession. Education was also one of the industries hit hardest by the Great Resignation, meaning there are plenty of openings.

Top Resume’s Natalia Autenrieth points out that this doesn’t mean just traditional teachers will be hired. The way education is delivered has changed, with remote and on-demand learning models becoming more ubiquitous. This means there are more flexible openings available.

Grocery stores

Our final recession-proof industry is one that we all need—groceries. In poor economic times, people will look to stock up on vital products, like we saw with toilet paper during the pandemic. Grocery stores will continue to fill consumer needs in any economy.

Elisabetta Ferri writes that in tough economic times, people are less likely to rely on takeout and will prefer the cheaper option of making meals at home, leading to increased business for the grocers. Meanwhile, Coursera points to more people relying on personal shoppers or grocery delivery thanks to rapidly expanding technology. This intersection of money-saving and spending for convenience means grocery stores will hire at all levels.

Wrap up

We’ve found that the most recession-proof jobs are those that are “essential” for day-to-day life. Luxuries may suffer, but some aspects of life like healthcare, financial assistance, trades, education, and groceries are always necessary. Thankfully, these industries offer opportunities at multiple education and experience levels, which should help you find a position that’s just right for you!

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Surprising Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Interviews

There’s a larger need for highly-qualified applicants than ever before thanks to the Great Resignation, new and emerging technology, and the rise in remote work. So with all of these open positions available, why aren’t you getting interviews?

Whether it’s due to a mistake on your part, a need to reframe how you present yourself, or aspects outside of your control, there are dozens of reasons why you might not be contacted for the role you seek. We’ll take a gander at some of the most frequent causes and offer suggestions on how to pivot where we can!

Making basic mistakes

Even the most thorough person is capable of making basic mistakes. This is especially true if you’ve been at the grind for so long that your eyes start to gloss over things.

Typos and grammatical mistakes on your resume or cover letter are obvious culprits, but they aren’t the only innocuous mistakes you could be making.

FlexJobs’ Jennifer Parris says to make sure you’re submitting your application correctly. A company may want your resume emailed or they may want you to apply through their website, for example. Make sure you’re following the directions you’re given to the letter.

Focusing on the wrong things

Your resume might be error-free, but it is presenting you in the best light?

A common mistake many job seekers make is only listing their basic responsibilities rather than highlighting the things they’ve accomplished. Your resume isn’t a permanent record—it’s a marketing tool.

“Using numbers to quantify your achievements is an excellent way to impress a potential employer.” –Alison Doyle

Forbes’ Adunola Adeshola says to focus your resume on the right results. Keep your resume bullets focused on the role you’re aiming for and paint a picture of what you’ll bring to the table as you try to set yourself apart from the competition.

Your qualifications

Even the best resumes might fall short if an employer doesn’t feel you have the right experience. It’s good to be ambitious and apply for jobs that may seem out of reach—job descriptions are mostly a wish list. But you can’t be surprised if a company chooses someone they believe to be more qualified.

The flip side may also be true—you may be overqualified for the role at hand, leaving a hiring manager questioning why you’re applying for the position. Be sure to read the job description carefully and truly understand what the company is looking for. If it’s a job you want, and a job you think you’re truly up to the task, make sure to use the right keywords to highlight your experience and properly convey your story in your cover letter.

Quantity over quality

It might make sense to cast a wide net in your search, but if you’re throwing out low-quality bait everywhere, you won’t get bites.

“A tailored resume does a better job of showing the recruiter exactly how you are qualified for the job. Doing this extra work shows you’re careful enough to do your due diligence.” –Hannah Morgan

Job seekers will often rely on online job boards for most of their search. While helpful, these tools should only be about 20% of your effort, writes Biron Clark. It’s hard to stand out when you’re sending a mass-market document everywhere. Instead, focus your efforts on tailoring your resume to the jobs you really want and focus other energy on networking and directly applying with appealing companies.

Your online presence

Let’s say your resume is a good fit for an organization and gets the attention of a hiring manager. When they do further research, what will they see? If your social media presence is unsavory, you might get rejected no matter how qualified you are.

It’s easier than ever before for a company to research you online. Hannah Morgan reminds us that as an employee of a company, you’ll be part of its brand. If the hiring manager finds anything unprofessional or offensive on your personal sites, you could miss out on the job. Be sure to curate your online persona before applying!

Outside factors

If you’ve followed all of the above advice, you’ll still find you aren’t getting an interview for every job you apply to. The truth is that no matter how qualified you may be, there are always outside factors preventing you from getting interviewed that have nothing to do with you.

Indeed lists a company’s needs changing as their number one reason you might not hear back. A role might no longer be needed, be expanded upon, or be filled internally. Someone may have referred someone in their network. You might have applied when the search was winding down. Or they simply may have been wowed by another candidate. In these cases, all you can do is move on and focus elsewhere.

Wrap up

With so many openings out there, it may seem surprising you aren’t getting the interviews you want. But there’s a ton of competition out there, and you need to do your best to stand out. Take a little extra time to rethink your approach, tweak your online profiles, and remind yourself that a lack of interviews may not be a reflection on yourself.

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Mentally Preparing For Job Search Rejection

Starting a new job search takes a lot of careful preparation. From cleaning up your documents, contacting references, and researching the ideal target companies, the search is an involved process. One additional preparation job seekers need to make is to learn how to deal with the inevitable rejection that will occur.

With the sheer amount of open positions available and the ease of applying for jobs online, rejection isn’t just a possibility—it’s an inevitability. You will face some rejection in your search, and that’s alright. We’ve previously covered how to handle compounding rejection. We’ll take things a step further and analyze how you can mentally prepare for rejection down the road so you can tackle your job search with a clear heart.

Understand outside factors

The first key to facing later rejection is understanding that there are plenty of outside factors that will lead to rejection that have nothing to do with your qualifications. Realizing that your rejection isn’t personal will go a long way toward a healthy mindset.

Team Interview Kickstart mentions that internal candidates may already be the favorite for a position or that another candidate may have already impressed the team. Someone may have a connection in the building you don’t.

“Try not to take it personally! I know that’s easier said than done, but it may have nothing to do with you. Lots of companies have internal candidates these days and are simply required by law (I think) to post publicly.” –Jocelyn Lyons

The only thing you can do is be as prepared as possible and hope you’re getting a fair chance. Update your resume, talk to your network, and find answers to any interview questions you think might come up.

Be deliberate

Job seekers will often attempt a volume-based approach and heavily rely on Easy Apply methods to try to get their foot in the door. This can actually be counter-intuitive and set you up for needless rejection down the road.

Career coach Emily Liou refers to this technique as “throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks” and says that it can eventually lead to discouragement down the road. More applications mean more chances, but it also means much more rejection.

It’s better to take a targeted approach in your method. Liou says to ask yourself deep questions about yourself and what you’re looking for in your next job and to narrow down your focus to jobs that mutually fit both parties. This allows you to take a more meaningful approach and target your resume to those jobs.

Accept the challenge

We all handle adversity in different ways. Some people can thrive in the face of rejection and overcome obstacles while others struggle. Thankfully, it’s possible to change your mindset and approach the challenge.

Forbes’ Jack Kelly says to learn how to let rejection stoke your passion for your work. A rejection could challenge you to try harder next time or to find new ways to showcase your passion. It can challenge you to be better in your next interview so that when you find the right job, you’ll be the best version of yourself. Learn how to go the extra mile, and it will benefit you in the long run.

“A Jedi-type mind trick is to feel that if you can rebound from a setback, still feel fine and have the people you love still care for you.” –Jack Kelly

Build resilience

Life is going to throw plenty of curveballs your way, and not just at work. The past few years have been particularly challenging as we’ve dealt with the pandemic and the follow-up. Resilience is one of the most sought-after skills by hiring managers, and it’s a key component of learning how to overcome rejection.

Jess Amy Dixon says that the best way to build resilience is to learn how to build yourself up. Even if you’re naturally a pessimist, there are simple activities you can partake in to remind yourself of your accomplishments and build confidence.

As a starting point, Emily Loiu recommends creating a “brag list” of all of your accomplishments so that you can look back on it when things are feeling rough. Having tangible reminders of what you bring to the table will help you internalize those accomplishments and feel stronger.

Wrap up

Rejection may be inevitable, but it certainly stinks! But understanding that you will face rejection and learning how to face it head-on is crucial to finding success down the road. These mental strategies will help you overcome rejection, but, ultimately, you have to do the work and find what works for you.

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