The Career Connection
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR
Your strategic partner for outsourced human resources solutions.
Stay ahead with our monthly digest, which features expert insights, the latest job postings, and invaluable search advice from seasoned HR and recruitment professionals.
In this edition:
Active Job Posts
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. Since 1995, we’ve connected job seekers with their ideal employers from a wide range of industries. Click the links below to learn more about each role and apply today.
Find a full list of our job postings here.
How to Handle Job Search Anxiety and Manage Stress
Job hunting can be challenging. It seems that the longer the search, the more stressful it becomes. We have some tips for staying confident and calm, as well as some mental health tips for handling the stress and anxiety that often come with looking for your next opportunity.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
First, it is key to recognize and accept that you are feeling anxious and stressed. Job hunting can bring on all sorts of emotions, from excitement to fear. Let yourself feel this without beating yourself up. Realizing it's totally normal to feel this way is the first step in handling it better.
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2. Create a Structured Plan
One great way to reduce anxiety is to develop a solid job search plan. Set clear goals and stick with them. For example, determine how many applications you want to send out each week. Make a regular schedule for job hunting, and remember to take breaks and practice self-care. Having a game plan can help you feel more in control and less stressed about the whole process.
3. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of your mental and physical health is really important when you're looking for a job. Do things that help you relax and recharge, like working out, meditating, reading, or hanging out with friends and family. Regular exercise can seriously cut down stress and boost your mood. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must!
4. Stay Connected
Job searching can sometimes make you feel isolated. Take time to stay connected with your support network. Share your experiences with friends, family, or professional mentors. They cannot only provide emotional support but also offer valuable insights and job leads. Engaging in networking activities can greatly reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of community.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
The job search process includes various elements that are beyond an individual's control, such as hiring timelines and decisions made by potential employers. Focus on aspects within your control, like customizing your resume, preparing for interviews, and continuously developing your skills. By focusing on actionable steps, you can reduce feelings of helplessness.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
When job hunting, it is important to be realistic. Understand that securing a suitable job might take time, and facing rejections is part of the process. Each application or interview offers an opportunity to learn and move closer to the desired job. Acknowledge progress and maintain a positive outlook.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you find that anxiety and stress are significantly impacting your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide you with strategies to manage your emotions and maintain your mental well-being during this challenging time.
Conclusion
In short, job hunting requires patience, resilience, and kindness to yourself. By acknowledging your feelings, making a plan, practicing self-care, staying connected with others, focusing on what you can control, setting realistic goals, and getting professional help if needed, you can better handle the stress and anxiety of job hunting. Remember, your mental health is super important, and taking care of yourself will help make your job search more successful.
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. We’ve been providing human resources and recruiting expertise to organizations of all sizes for nearly three decades, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader in our industry. Learn more about us by visiting our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.