How to Avoid Job Application Burnout and Depression

Job hunting is not for the faint of heart. Rejection letters seem to pile up faster than you can apply, and automated answers are always cold and impersonal. Where is the human touch, you sometimes wonder? Did anyone even take the time to look at my resume, or did an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) piece of software decide I was not the right fit?

You plod on, occasionally you get an interview, then wait with bated breath to hear back. But then you never do. Burnout can come fast, and you may start feeling a little despondent.

The way you feel is understandable. You want this job very much, so you work hard to make sure your resume is spick and span, you write that arduous cover letter, and fill out those tedious indeed assessments. It can feel devastating when you go through all that work only to hear: "We regret to inform you ... not this time ...decided to go with another candidate ... we'll keep your resume on file for the next time."

Despite not being able to immediately see the fruits of your labor, it is essential that while you are working hard at finding a job that you simultaneously work hard at safeguarding your mental health.

These are some tips to avoid job burnout and fight the job hunting blues.

Take a Break

Get up, walk away from the computer and the job boards. Go outside and get some fresh air flowing in your lungs. Studies show that being outside can instantly reduce stress and regulate your blood pressure. Remind yourself of the beauty of the outdoors and give yourself that much-needed reset.

Practice Self-Affirmations

Say these (and other good things) to yourself every day or whenever you get to feeling down;

“I am good enough”

“I am qualified”

“That organization would be lucky to have me”

“I have a proven track record of success”

“A rejection does not define me”

“I can wait for the right opportunity to come along”

Reevaluate Your Search

Sometimes we have to be real with ourselves, which can be hard to do. Ask yourself these tough questions because they will steer you on the right path.

Am I looking in the right places?

Am I looking at the right roles?

Do the roles match my work experience or your transferable skills?

If you have a “no” for any of these, you ought to reassess the jobs you are applying to, and tailor your job search accordingly.

Start a Passion Project

While you wait for that interview or that callback, now might be a good time to finish painting that rainbow you started painting seven months ago. Bake a cake! Learn how to make chewy chocolate chip cookies. Revisit and complete that Pinterest DIY you saved. Take your mind off the job hunt for a moment and refocus your energy elsewhere.

Start Your Own Business

Why not? If you have the means, then give that entrepreneurial wheel a spin. Become your own boss. Control your own hours. Hire your own employees and treat them well.

Talk to Someone

If the job hunting blues are winning, talk to a friend or family member. There is nothing new under the sun, and someone will be able to relate or offer you a new approach.

Find an Agency to Help You

Staffing agencies have better connections with hiring companies and may have knowledge of job opportunities that you don’t. Coffey Staffing Solutions makes your job search easier by matching you to the right employer and taking some of the hassle out of your job search.

Closing

Remember that the right opportunity will find you in time. Job hunting takes tremendous patience and resilience, but there are many things you can do while you wait to keep you focused and ready to receive that opportunity when it does come.

Happy job hunting! May the ATS gods smile upon you.

Call Coffey Staffing Solutions today at 916-407-2898, if you need help with your job search.