How to Cope with Job Hunt Stress: Reframe, Recharge, Reach Out

Looking for a new job? You’re not alone. Over half a million people across Australia are looking for work, making the job market small and competitive. But even when things are tough, there are strategies we know can help every candidate with their job search.

The impact of a positive outlook

What impact does a positive attitude have on the job search? Even though it’s not always easy, candidates who maintain a positive attitude will have a better frame of mind through positive self-talk. This will help you feel more confident and self-assured during your job search and in job interviews. This should ultimately lead to more success when it comes to getting an actual job offer. Those same candidates are more emotionally resilient when it comes to rejections too, making the job search less gruelling. The job market in Australia is slowing, but there are steps you can take to give yourself the best chance possible. Let’s unpack it.

Steps for cultivating better mental health during your job search

So how exactly do you cultivate a positive outlook? What are the practical steps you can take to maintain positivity in the face of repeated rejections? Here are 6 steps to help keep you keep a positive mindset during your job search.

1. Reframe rejection

In almost every job search, there will be rejection. You are not perfect for every job you apply for, nor is every company ideal for you either. To maintain your job-hunter resilience, it’s important to accept that. Studies show that reframing negative situations into more positive ones helps improve mental health and cognitive function during stressful periods.

How do you reframe rejection? A popular maxim is “rejection is redirection”, meaning that every rejection you get is simply pointing you towards what is meant for you. Another is “what is meant for you will not miss you”, which gives you the grace to accept rejections knowing that if that was the job for you, you would have gotten it. Your perfect job might be just around the corner, and you don’t want to be in the wrong one and miss the opportunity.

2. Practice gratitude

During difficult times, there is usually something you can find to be grateful for. However, as humans, we have a natural inclination to see the negative in most situations. There are ways to change this though.

One way to do this is to purposefully train your brain to see the good in every situation. Maintaining a gratitude practice might sound frivolous, but it’s backed by science. At least once each day, list as many things as you can that are positive, from a good cup of coffee to good weather, or, hopefully, a call for a second interview. Practice seeing the good, and your brain will see it more, leaving you more confident and self-assured in your job search.

3. Set realistic goals

Whether you’re solely focused on finding a new job or working alongside the search, it’s important to maintain a realistic schedule. Allow yourself a realistic number of job applications, interviews, or networking events per month, making time for rest, relaxation, and recharging in between. It’s also important to be realistic in terms of your qualifications and experience and apply for jobs accordingly. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim for a higher salary or better position, but don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting all your sights on a dream job at Google.

4. Seek social support

At one time or another, almost everyone you know will have been in the same position as you are right now. Even though it might be difficult, reaching out for help might be the thing to help you get through this challenging time.

Reach out to friends to ask for interview tips, or post to LinkedIn that you’re in the market for a new job. You’ll find solace and reassurance in both knowing that others have been down this road before and who knows, maybe your next job is hiding in your network. Allowing others to help and guide you also lends you greater adaptability and opens you to more opportunities.

5. Adopt a growth mindset

In the face of repeated rejections, it can be tempting to get down on yourself. But a simple shift in your mindset could make all the difference. Candidates with a growth mindset see rejection as information, they see gaps in their resumes as opportunities to learn more, and they understand that with enough preparation they can succeed at anything. Adopting a growth mindset in your job search will not only make it an overall more positive experience, but the changes to your approach to adversity will stay with you into the future.

6. Look after yourself

When you’re deep in the job-hunting process, everything else seems to take a back seat. But as with so many parts of life, remembering to look after yourself is often the key to success. This applies to your job search, too. Make sure you get outside, take a walk, or meet a friend for coffee occasionally. Get regular, moderate exercise, try to maintain a healthy diet, and make sure you’re getting enough rest. And always celebrate even the smallest wins to keep your momentum going.

Beyond the job search

Cultivating a positive mindset will help improve your chances of being successful in your interviews and getting the job you want. It will also help to protect your mental health during what can be a rather gruelling time. It will also help make you more resilient, adaptable, and calmer at work and in your personal life.

If you’re looking to level up in your job search, reach out to our recruiters. We’re just a conversation away from putting you in touch with hiring managers in companies all over the world. With a positive mindset, your next job could just be an interview away.