Dealing with job application burnout
We’ve all heard of (and probably experienced) burn-out at work. If you’re on the job hunt, though, you might be facing a different beast: application exhaustion. Sending in dozens of job apps is inherently overwhelming - so, if you’re at the end of your cover letter tether, here’s how to keep a cool head as you search for your dream role.
Heal from the grief
The emotional toll of being unemployed shouldn’t be brushed aside. Being without a job can make you feel insecure and off-balance. Give yourself the time and grace to process these feelings before you dive into the job hunt: the last thing you need when you’re still experiencing those heightened emotions is the disappointment of potential rejections.
Make time for self-care
A natural next step: make time in your week to look after yourself. In spite of how tempting it is, relinquishing your days to a tsunami of job applications isn’t going to make you feel better. Don’t let them become your whole life – there should be no guilt in opting to relax now and again.
Act employed
Once you’ve set aside time in the week for yourself, treat your application process like an actual job. Assign yourself certain hours dedicated to applying and clock off at the end of that time. Stick to that routine and avoid scrolling through job sites in the evening – anything you find when you’re lying on the sofa at 9pm will still be there in the morning.
Set achievable goals
When you’re powering through applications with little success, it can feel like you’re just running on the spot. Setting yourself small, achievable goals at the start of the week can help to organise your to-dos in terms of importance and give you a sense of progress as you tick the tasks off. Make separate ‘work’ and ‘home’ lists so you’re encouraged to commit to the self-care hours, as well as the application time. Try to avoid setting yourself huge or vague goals – it would be great if you landed your dream job straight away, but smash the smaller goals first and work your way up.
Be kind to yourself, and others
These are not normal times, and you’re not the only one facing the tough task of looking for work. It’s easy to fall into a slump, but studies have shown that altruism, or selfless good deeds, can lift your mood. Bring a smile to someone else by sending a little gift or handwritten letter, scheduling a virtual coffee catch up or reminiscing over a fond memory. It might make you feel just that little bit lighter again.