Job Search Stress

If the term “job search” were to be listed in the dictionary, it would probably be defined as a time-consuming, stressful activity. As an applicant we put hours into looking for the right jobs, writing cover letters and resumes, and then often having to re-input our information from our resumes into online application systems. Hours. Days. Weeks. Sometimes months go by without a phone call requesting our presence for an interview. It is a laborious act that we all at some point or another have to go through. But that is just it. We all have to go through it at some point.

When I reread my prior two blog posts regarding job searchers I’d overheard at Starbucks, I thought of all of the highs and lows a job searcher experiences.

Step 1: Motivate self to look for job.

Step 2: Watch television. Eat ice cream.

Step 3: Start looking for jobs.

Step 4: Get disappointed at lack of jobs posted. Eat more ice cream.

Step 5: Get excited about a job or jobs that are now being posted.

Step 6: Prepare documents for the application process.

Step 7: Agonize over the prepared documents and make sure that they are pristine and have all of the amazing qualities listed to help you get the job.

Step 8: Anxiously apply.

Step 9: Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders. Eat more ice cream.

Step 10: Wait.

Step 11: Wait.

Step 12: Start applying for other jobs and wait.

Step 13: Begin to worry again. Where’s that ice cream?

And so on and so on until you finally get an interview. Hooray!

So with all the highs and lows that come along with the job search process, I want to say, be patient and be encouraged. You are not alone. Eventually, something will come your way. Then, maybe you will upgrade your ice cream to a toast of champagne.