When you’re looking for work, it is so hard to stay energized and keep your job search moving ahead when you are getting few results. It can be very tiring to conduct a job search if you lose your attitude of adaptability and mismanage your time.
The majority of job seekers suffer from fatigue, not the kind of fatigue that comes from physical labor but the kind that comes from an internal dialogue that’s filled with worry and loss of hope. This type of job-search fatigue usually happens when you go a long time with few results.
It’s easy to get into a search routine, and find yourself using just one or two job-search methods every day.
I recall one job candidate who was beginning to feel the weight of fatigue after months of the same job-search routine. She decided to write down the percentage of time she spent applying for positions, talking with recruiting agencies, networking and writing cover letters. When the numbers were tallied, she had a clear picture of why she felt she was in a rut. At least 65% of her time was spent applying for jobs, 15% was spent following up with recruiters, 15% was networking, and the remaining 5% was spent writing letters and sending email.
The majority of her time produced the smallest results, but this was her daily routine. She started every morning responding to ads, reviewing job-search boards and replying to email. She firmly believed the way she was job searching would generate offers, yet applying for jobs and waiting for responses kept her in a rut.
While there is little physical labor involved in searching for employment, it’s the mental stress that builds over time and wears you out.
With this in mind, here’s one note of caution: If you are to the point where the lack of energy is preventing you from enjoying daily activities, it could be a sign that you are becoming depressed. Depression is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by a health-care provider.
In this job seeker’s case, the solution was to discuss her routine and find ways to combat her job-search fatigue. Her attitude changed when she saw where her time was spent and the beliefs about job searching that were holding her back.
Here are three ways you can generate momentum and discover a renewed sense of energy, especially if you find yourself feeling drained at the end of the week.
Change your attitude. What worked in the past may not work in today’s job market. Let go of routines that prevent you from landing a good job, such as applying for jobs everyday with few results. Be open to new activities, such as inviting someone for coffee, attending a workshop or volunteering.
Increase your interactions with people. Fatigue can be a sign you’re not meeting people. That’s why job-search groups are so effective. It’s the power of the group brainstorming that generates energy. If you are uncomfortable with meeting people, start slowly. Attend at least one event a week. If possible, bring a friend. That commitment will make you less likely to back out.
Broaden your job-search techniques. The hidden job market is alive and well and there are opportunities to be found when you explore industries and the needs of the marketplace rather than waiting for jobs to come to you through ads and job-board postings. Look beyond titles and focus on using your transferable skills in areas where there is demand.
Often it’s not your lack of skills or a tough job market that prevent you from landing a good job, it’s a combination of how you spend your time and your attitude toward finding opportunities.
Have you dealt with job-search fatigue? If so, what did you find most helpful in renewing your energy?
