Searching for a new job is one of the most stressful aspects of life. After graduation, you may be left wondering how to find a job in your desired career – but as you may expect, this is much easier said than done. Battling the fear of the unknown can add to the pressure and make you feel downright frustrated and anxious.
Job hunting is an intense process and it’s unlikely you’ll find a great job overnight – it all takes time and patience. If you’re soon to graduate and worrying about the upcoming job hunt, here are some top tips to keep in mind to reduce job search stress:
- Stay positive
Staying positive is the best attitude to take to the job search. It’s natural to lose a sense of hope after receiving multiple rejection emails but approaching the hunt with a miserable outlook won’t work in your favour. To give the best impression, you need to put your all into every job application that you send off – as though it was your very first application. Employers notice when an applicant has rushed, so check your facts, spellings and highlight the relevant experience for the job. Keep checking job boards and set up job alerts so you can apply for the best jobs immediately. On aspect to take into consideration is to carry out self-reflection. Think about why you may have been rejected so that you can change your tactics next time around. It may be worth reaching out to a support and assistance careers service to help you tailor your application to the specific job.
- Create a plan
One of the best ways to keep your stress levels low is to create a plan. As humans, we crave order and control and when we feel unprepared, it can cause anxiety levels to spiral.
Creating a daily schedule for your job search process will help you feel more in control by working towards your goals. For example, you may set a few hours aside each day to polish up your CV and the next few hours searching for suitable jobs etc. By sticking to a schedule, you’ll achieve daily wins each day to be proud of.
- Use a recruitment agency
When you feel you have covered every base and still aren’t getting anywhere with the job search, you should consider signing up to a graduate and internship recruitment agency such as Inspiring Interns. Their professional team are trained to find suitable jobs and internships for recent graduates in their desired field. Not only will they send over your details to employers, but they also provide helpful interview and CV advice to help you secure your dream job. Remember that using a recruitment service is a two-way street – they will listen to your ambitions and needs, and the team will also provide their expert advice as to which path is suited to you, based on your experiences and skills.
Alongside recruitment agencies, also consider using a variety of other methodologies including industry specific job boards and professional bodies to help you find your dream job.
- Take care of your wellbeing
Last but not least, it’s extremely important to take care of your wellbeing. It can become an obsession to check for new job listings and apply for every single available; but sometimes, it’s just as important to take a break and prioritise self-care. It can also be worthwhile to get out and about and network, instead of sitting at your computer all day. You never know who you might meet within your industry who could point you in the right direction for potential jobs and even offer beneficial first-hand advice.
Remember, that you’re not alone. Job stress is something that all graduate face after leaving university. There is no rush to secure your dream job. In some instances, it may take you a few years to get into your desired industry due to needing to acquire the relevant experience. So, keep working hard and you’ll eventually see your efforts pay off!