As exciting as the job search can be, one thing is for sure: it’s work — hard work. From imposter syndrome to the fear of rejection, the mental load of this whole process can be taxing, so it’s important to take care of yourself along the way. Check out some of these tips to help you tackle some of that job search anxiety and avoid burnout.
With all of the steps you need to take to finally land a job, keeping track of what needs to get done can be a challenge on its own. This action plan helps you figure out where to get started and breaks down everything into digestible tasks. Since this list is super comprehensive, pick a couple of tasks (or even just one!) to put on the smaller to-do list on the main page. Make sure your goals are achievable within the time frame you have set aside to work on them; it’s important to be realistic about what you’re able to accomplish in a day. You can also schedule weekly appointments with your assigned counselor at Fordham’s Career Center to help keep yourself accountable to your goals.
You just graduated! Even if you’re still finishing up some last summer classes, take the time to reflect on all that you have accomplished over the years. Whether it’s dinner with friends, a self-care day, or a weekend trip to the shore, setting aside some intentional time to really enjoy yourself and get some restorative rest will energize you to begin this next journey.
It’s also important to celebrate your other accomplishments throughout the process of your job search. Interview went really well today? Celebrate! Knock out the single task on your to-do list? Get a special treat! Like we said in tip #1, being realistic with your goals will help you feel more accomplished at the end of the day and keep you motivated to continue on the path. You can also use this chart in the’ Smile File’ to keep a physical log of all the things you’ve done that you’re proud of; having a sort of track record to look at when you’re feeling down can be a great way to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
During your time here at Fordham, you’ve developed a network of friends, advisors, mentors, and peers who are excited to see you succeed. Make a list of the people you know you can turn to on hard days AND that you can celebrate your wins with. If you’re feeling down and spiraling after not making it to the next round of interviews, family and friends can help remind you that you are loved and put things into perspective. You also have access to Fordham’s Career Center for life! Our counselors are here to support you every step of the way, no matter where you are in the process.
Don’t forget that outside of all this, you’re still a person who needs and deserves care! If you can feel yourself getting frustrated or starting to check out, close your computer and ‘take inventory’ of yourself and your needs. Did you drink enough water today? Do you need a snack? Would stepping outside and moving your body for a bit be help? Sometimes, taking a break can feel like a waste of time when you’re in the thick of it or have a deadline, but there are countless studies that suggest taking breaks are better for your productivity in the long haul! Give yourself the time you need to restore your energy (however is best for you: playing video games, working out, calling a friend), not only because it can help with productivity, but more importantly because you deserve rest.
As you scroll through LinkedIn and see what your connections have been up to, it can be hard not to compare yourself to other people. However, since the steps you might need to take to build your career will absolutely look different than those that your peers have taken, it’s unfair to yourself to assess your progress based on someone else’s milestones.
Most of all, try not to tie up your self-worth in the job search. This process is not some evaluation of your value; instead, view it as your journey to find the place where your talents and abilities will be valued and you will be appreciated for all that you are.