Here's how you can identify signs and symptoms of burnout during the job search.

Emotional signs of burnout are plenty. Tiredness, or even exhaustion. Spending all your waking hours on job sites and LinkedIn. Getting irritable with others. What I want to acknowledge here is the impact of ghosting. Because it's one thing to have things to improve on in interviews, or to get rejections. But another thing altogether to not hear at all! Because what happens? Your inner voices will go into overdrive. You (they) will start making things up. WHY you didn't hear anything. That it must be you. That you're useless and will never get a job. (Yes, it escalates quickly). If this happens to you I'd say this - it's not you. Instead find ways to stop the noise in your brain. Take a break. And start again. You'll get there.

There are numerous emotional signs of burnout during a job search. You may start to lack motivation to keep going and keep putting off doing your research, making those calls, applying to those roles. You may have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Nothing you do seems to be having an impact on finding a job. You may become irritable. You may lose interest in things that used to bring you job or relaxation. You may start to feel emotionally exhausted, drained or depleted. You may begin to withdraw from your family and friends and avoid social get togethers. You may find that you have difficulty concentrating. A job search can be overwhelming and, if you experience any of these symptoms, speak to someone.

When the job search becomes overwhelming and you noticed the signs and symptoms of stress, give yourself permission to take a break and refocus. Do not bottle things in - it is important to talk to a respected friend who can provide an objective viewpoint. If you feel you need professional support for your mental health, reach out to organisations such as Beyond Blue who have counsellors training specifically to assist. If you feel you need career coaching support then reach out to a respected coach to provide a reality check and help you to reassess your job search process.

Physical symptoms are often felt by people during their job search -- especially if it continues over a long period of time. You may feel tired and your energy may be zapped. You may have headaches or stomach issues. You may experience muscle tension. It's very common to experience insomnia -- being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. You may have changes in your eating habits which can be over-eating or having a loss of appetite due to stress and worry. Your immune system may be compromised and you may experience more colds, flue or infections. You may have higher blood pressure or increased heart rate. Finding a way to relax and unwind is key -- yoga, meditation, long walks, exercise, etc.

This is a particularly dangerous symptom because it’s affects your job search not to network. This makes the situation worse. Try networking with a buddy. Have a goal of meeting - person—set small goals. The small victories will help build to bigger ones.

Repeated rejections after interview can lead to a loss of confidence in your skills/experience/aptitude and contribute to imposter syndrome. I've found it helpful to always ask for feedback from interviewers. Many times I've used their responses to make sure I don't make the same mistakes in the future. On a few occasions I've found that the interviewers were very impressed with something, and it came as a complete surprise. That can give a little confidence boost for future interviews. If you can be objective about the experience, interviewers also often welcome your feedback on their interview process.

Spotting burnout during your job search is vital. Feeling constantly tired, stressed, or having difficulty concentrating are key signs to be aware of. If you're losing motivation, struggling to stay productive, or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues, it might be burnout. Additionally, feeling disconnected from others or dissatisfied with the job search process are important indicators to consider. Don't brush these signs aside—take proactive steps to address them and prioritize your well-being. Consider seeking support from loved ones, taking regular breaks, practicing self-care activities, and seeking professional help if needed.