Jobseekers' Personalities Shift During the Job Search

An individual's journey from the application stage to receiving a job offer can be described as a tumultuous expedition of emotional turmoil and personal enlightenment for those seeking new employment opportunities. The pursuit of a holds the potential to trigger significant transformations in one's character as one navigates through challenges and triumphs along their chosen path. The state of being without employment presents a unique array of circumstances, capable of manifesting unexpectedly throughout an individual's lifespan.

Whether arising from a voluntary departure from one's previous job, the presence of a domineering superior and intolerable work environment, or unforeseen events, being jobless carries profound implications for the core personality traits that shape one's identity. Prolonged periods of unemployment possess the ability to modify the fundamental essence of individuals, causing some to display decreased conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness, thereby complicating their pursuit of new job opportunities - as explained by the American Psychological Association.

In periods of joblessness, individuals might initially appreciate the novelty of newfound free time but eventually find themselves succumbing to bitterness over time, experiencing a decline in self-esteem and fluctuating emotions. This change in mood represents a significant non-typical life event in response to losing a job. Extended bouts of unemployment are comparable to becoming incapacitated, when contrasted with personality transformations linked to typical life events occurring at anticipated junctures such as leaving home, starting one's first job, living with a partner, getting married, becoming a parent, retiring, losing a parent, and losing a spouse (Specht et al., 2011). For certain job seekers, the opportunity to secure a job may dwindle.

The repercussions of being without a job extend beyond financial setbacks and a sense of community. The most profound impact is the inevitable transformation of personality that follows due to the job search process. Complicating matters further, job seekers frequently receive minimal to no feedback on their applications, prompting some to take temporary roles or settle for low-paying positions that perpetuate feelings of inadequacy. Confronted with discouragement, some individuals abandon their job search endeavors only to find themselves once more trapped in the cycle of unemployment.

How can job seekers maintain their composure and foster positive personal growth? This question presents a significant challenge. It is essential to remember that the absence of job offers or temporary unemployment does not diminish one's worth. Instead of giving in to feelings of despair, redirect that energy into decisive action - pursue online certifications, conduct a thorough reassessment of your skill set, and update your resume. Stay active by networking, volunteering, hitting the gym, and treating the job-hunting process as a job in itself.

Despite the multitude of obstacles faced, individuals who persevere through the fluctuations of the job search emerge stronger and more resilient. The final phase signifies a period of advancement and self-discovery as they extract valuable insights from their trials and adapt to new prospects. Job seekers cultivate a newfound sense of confidence and determination as they navigate the concluding stages of their job quest.

The state of being without a job is undeniably challenging. It is vital to bear in mind that it is only a temporary phase.

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Gaile Sweeney MBA, MPH, PMP, NLP is a Career Brand and Life Strategist and Author, who transforms individuals' life and career journey with her expert strategies and solutions for their personal and professional growth.

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