Breaking the Cycle: A Guide to Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Job Searching

By Gonzalo

Let's face it.

The world of job searching, is often impersonal.

Transactional.

And worst of all nobody talks about it, in depth - but it's there.

The elephant in the room.

It's easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and demotivated.

Every day, I come across brilliant individuals who have hit an all-time low in their career journey.

Sending out hundreds of applications, waiting in vain for a response.

Looking for fast solutions. Resume, networking, more certfications. They work aimlessly knowing deep down none of these will work.

Avoiding the elephant.

But what if I told you that...

The secret to breaking this cycle lies not in the quantity of applications but in understanding and navigating the emotional stages of your job search?

Let's look into it!

The 5 Emotional Phases of Job Searching

Through my experience, both personal and professional, with 100s of clients, I've identified a universal emotional cycle that every job seeker goes through.

This is what a lot of people recognize as "The Emotional Cycle Of Change".

Applying this to your job search, and mastering these stages, instead of having them master you, is crucial.

transforming your job search from a demoralizing task into a journey of growth and fulfillment.

1. Uninformed Optimism:

This phase is characterized by high enthusiasm and expectations.

You're ready to conquer the world. Show up proud of your degrees, of your prior experience.

Armed with your updated resume and a LinkedIn profile.

However, "spot the blind spot".

This optimism is often based on a lack of awareness of the challenges ahead:

• Non-responses.
• 10s of applications.
• Rejection emails right after applying.

So prepare for them.

Preparation: It's not "If", it's going to be "when" they happen. So expect them. They're part of the process.

This is a great, optimal moment to seek expert help.

Issue here is typically, that the "expert" help isn't expert.

2. Informed Pessimism:

This is when reality sets in.

You actually start facing rejections.

Or worse.

Silence.

The bad part: Doubts creep in, and the initial excitement turns to skepticism about your prospects.

Self-Doubt kicks in.

"Is it that I don't have enough experience (that dreaded word)".

"Do I need an MBA?"

The answer to these question 95% of the time is:

NO.

How you handle this stage will be crucial on the next stage. Here's where consciousness and consistency matter.

Consciousness of what you're doing and if it's actually working.

Consistency going in the wrong direction is the easiest way to burn out!

Preparation: Know that this will happen. Be aware that this is where a lot of candidates just start applying left and right - leading to 100s of application. And to the next phase.

The Valley Of Despair.

Solution: Go "narrow and deep" in your job search, instead of going "wide and shallow". This means that you focus on only 2 to 3 jobs at the same time, but you go deep into knowing who is hiring. Why they're hiring. What has happened in their industry. Etc.

3. Valley Of Despair:

The most challenging phase.

Continued rejections and lack of feedback lead to self-doubt and questioning of your career choices.

It's a critical moment where many give up.

Mentally.

Believing they're not cut out for their dream roles.

Or they run out of cash (most of their times in their mind).

The problem with this stage is staying in it. For a long period of time.

So somewhere in Stage 2 or 3, you have to make the shift.

Turn the corner.

Go human. Go narrow.

Tack only 2 to 3 opportunities.

Meet online, offline. In person. Coffee. Send letters. Get real. Get face to face.

Solution: Go "narrow and deep" if you haven't already. Don't be fooled. It'll feel like you're going nowhere. Some people won't answer your DMs first.

Your calls.

But eventually they will.

4. Informed Optimism:

For those who persist, the shift occurs.

You start learning from your experiences, from your conversations.

One will lead to the other.

Some you'll like, so you won't. It's fine.

The gold is continuing to refine your approach, and understand what sets you apart.

What it is that you like.

This informed optimism reinvigorates your job search with a more strategic and personalized approach.

Preparation: Aim your search now to what excites you of your industry. What you're good at!

You'll show your passion. People will love it. They'll hire you as a result!

5. Success and Fulfillment:

The culmination of persistence.

Not just the job offer.

But learning, and self-reflection.

Landing a job that aligns with your aspirations and values brings not just career satisfaction but a significant boost to your self-esteem and personal growth.

Being able to bring [way more] value.

Being able to negotiate more.

And That's It!

Really, is that simple.

One last thing:

The Unpopular Opinion: It's Not Just About the Resume

As an Executive Career Strategist,

I continue to observe a common misconception among job seekers.

Young and old.

The belief that a polished resume and LinkedIn profile are all it takes to land your dream job.

The key to standing out is a well-crafted strategy is not about qualifications but also about personal brand and emotional intelligence.

Remember, job searching is not about ticking boxes.

1. It's about understanding and navigating the emotional journey.

2. Building a personal brand that resonates with your dream employers, and ultimately,

3. Transforming this process into a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth.

If you liked this topic, there's [way] more. So if you'd like me to make Part II of this article, write "interested" in the comments.

If you're feeling stuck in the Valley of Despair or just starting your job search and want to avoid common pitfalls, send me a DM.

We can chart a path to your dream job, without having to go through all the negative emotions on your own.

To a brighter future. To you!

-Gonzalo

#Jobs #careers #mentalhealth #EmotionalIntelligence?