Some statistics have shown that job seekers will need to apply to about 15 jobs per week over the course of approximately five to six months (the average amount of time) to land a new job. In addition, it takes about 10 - 20 applications to get a call for an interview and you will need to go through an average of 12 interviews in order to receive a single job offer.
Not only is the job market extremely competitive but the typical recruitment process is also not necessarily designed with the wellbeing of the applicants in mind. It's no surprise that a staggering percentage of active job seekers are reporting symptoms of burnout as a side effect of the discouraging amount of effort versus result.
The warning signs of job-search burnout you should watch out for:
To prepare yourself for the job hunt, make sure you're packing the right supplies. The most successful burnout prevention strategies are the ones that focus on building resilience and balance in the long-term. The more focused you are on taking care of yourself throughout this process, the longer you will be able to withstand the challenges that come with it. Because for most people, job searching is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here are a few things to keep you calm throughout the process:
I often like to say to my coaching clients that looking for a job IS a job. It takes time, effort, dedication and a few efficiency tactics to make sure that you do it well and achieve the goals you set. So, treat it just like a job by blocking time in your calendar daily for focus work, use productivity tools to organise your applications and stick to the schedule that works best for you.
As you would do with a "regular job", eventually your work hours would be done for the day and you would (hopefully) switch off and stop replying to work emails or calls. The same practice applies to the job of job searching. You need to give yourself a break and engage in other life activities that are equally important for your health.
A well-balanced social life is not only important for your general wellbeing but it can also provide opportunities for networking and forming meaningful connections. There is an unfair and unfortunate stigma that comes with job searching but allowing shame or guilt to limit your social life will only have the opposite effect in what you're working so hard to achieve. Remember, you might not have a job at the moment but you do work - on yourself, your career and your future so you are equally busy and productive as everyone else in your social circle.
You don't have to wait for that magical unicorn of a job offer in order to pop the champagne. You are working hard, you are learning every day and you are growing as a person. That's enough cause for celebration right there! Include moments of reward in your weekly routine and attach it to achievable goals.
For example, once you manage to reach out and connect with 10 new people in your extended network, treat yourself to a slice of chocolate cake - or something healthier if that works equally well for you! The last thing you want is to land a great job only to show up on your first day feeling drained and exhausted from all the effort of actually getting hired for it.
Your mental health should always take front-row seat in the piling amount of life priorities but especially during challenging periods such as job searching. Investing in your health and wellbeing is always the most rewarding and future-proof strategy.