Job Search Burnout is Real - Here are Three Ways to Deal with It
The unemployment rate may be at historic lows, but finding a job is still challenging for many. In a 2023 Job Seeker Survey, 70% of over 1,500 job seekers indicated that “they needed to exert more than the average amount of effort to find a job in this economy,” and 67.7% “felt their current job search was more difficult than their last one.”
In a tough job search, know that you are not alone, job search burnout is real, and it may be difficult to avoid. In addition to remaining positive, what are some practical steps you can take to revitalize your strategy?
Assess & Tailor Your Strategy
Do you find yourself clicking “Easy Apply” on LinkedIn and uploading the same resume over and over again? It might be time to assess your search and create a more strategic plan in the following ways:
Be more selective in your search. Consider focusing on positions you are most interested in and delivering a quality application.
Craft your cover letter and resume specifically to those job descriptions rather than sending a generic resume to various types of jobs. For example, if you’re applying to jobs in Social Media Management as well as Real Estate – they will require different resumes so that you’re speaking directly to the needs of employers and using relevant terms for the industry.
In addition, schedule reminders for when to follow up with companies.
Attend Networking Events
Did you know that 70% of jobs are said to exist in the hidden job market? Career coach Dr. Daryl Crosby who joined us for a recent workshop asserts that “opportunities lie in people.” You may have to move away from your computer and use Crosby’s advice to expand your network, engage in informational interviews, and create a personalized networking roadmap.
If you’ve been primarily conducting a digital-first job search, get out of your comfort zone and go meet employers face to face.
Learn a New Skill
Is there a major skills gap between your resume and the jobs you are applying for? It may be time to upskill and research what employers are looking for in 2024. Technical skills can help your resume stand out and track well with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Sharpening your skills also shows employers that you are focused on remaining relevant in your industry and willing and able to learn new things. Find a way to get hands-on experience doing what you love through volunteering, interning or even initiating your own project.