How to Job Hunt Without Going Insane
Since moving back to the UK in December, I have been on the dreaded job hunt.
No matter your personal situation or what type of work you're seeking, I think we can all agree the process of looking and applying for jobs is not a fun one.
So here are a few tips to help make the journey a little less frustrating/joyless/soul-crushing (delete as applicable).
*N.B. I am not telling you how to get a job (nor do I think I'm qualified to do so), I'm merely suggesting some ways to ease the pain of the process.*
*N.N.B.B. I'm writing this from the experience of someone searching for a job while not in employment, I appreciate it's a whole different ball game if you're looking for a job while also working full-time!*
1. Have a side hustle
The worst part of job hunting, in my opinion, is the lack of control. You have no control over how long this period of uncertainty will last. No control over the (hundreds of) applications once they're sent out. No control over the lack of responses you receive for no apparent reason. You get it.
For this reason, I encourage you to take up a side project, something you can control. It'll help to break up your day, and give you a change from the laborious job applications. A few examples: Marie Kondo your room, write a blog, learn to knit (it obviously helps if your side hustle is something you really enjoy/are passionate about).
I started Couch to 5k (an app that helps convert complete non-runners into, in my case, semi-able runners), which has forced me to get up and out of the house, instead of being stuck inside in front of a computer screen all day.
2. Maintain routine
It's really important to maintain some type of structure to your day. It'll really help you not to feel aimless during this in-between-jobs phase.
3. Ask for help
Don't be afraid to use all the resources that are available to you! I know fully well how overwhelming this process can be, so asking for help can lighten your burden.
There's an abundance of recruitment agencies out there, whose jobs are literally to get you employed. If you know what industry you want to go into, use sites like LinkedIn to find people doing the jobs you're looking for and reach out to them. Spread the word that you're job hunting - chances are someone you know knows someone who knows someone whose cousin is hiring! Basically, network like hell.
4. Don't compare
This one is really difficult, and I'm definitely guilty of it. Try not to compare yourself to others. It's so easy to fall into a downward spiral as soon as you open the "Why are my friends so much further along in their careers than me?" door. Everyone's trajectory is different, and that's ok! If you haven't found your dream job/life's purpose yet, there's probably a reason why. Plus, the people you're comparing yourself to probably don't have it as together as you think.
To paraphrase the great Xtina: good things come to those who wait (Candyman, 2006).
5. Don't give up
Ok this is kind of a given, but sometimes you just need to hear it. DON'T GIVE UP!
It can be really disheartening when you feel like the only responses you're getting are to tell you've been unsuccessful.
I like to think of it like this: If I don't get a job, it's because that's not the right job for me.
Just imagine you've got Jerry from Netflix's Cheer giving you motivational mat talk and you'll be good to go.
So keep on keeping on, it will all be worth it once it's over!
Good luck to all you job-hunting heroes out there!
Holly x
No matter your personal situation or what type of work you're seeking, I think we can all agree the process of looking and applying for jobs is not a fun one.
So here are a few tips to help make the journey a little less frustrating/joyless/soul-crushing (delete as applicable).
*N.B. I am not telling you how to get a job (nor do I think I'm qualified to do so), I'm merely suggesting some ways to ease the pain of the process.*
*N.N.B.B. I'm writing this from the experience of someone searching for a job while not in employment, I appreciate it's a whole different ball game if you're looking for a job while also working full-time!*
1. Have a side hustle
The worst part of job hunting, in my opinion, is the lack of control. You have no control over how long this period of uncertainty will last. No control over the (hundreds of) applications once they're sent out. No control over the lack of responses you receive for no apparent reason. You get it.
For this reason, I encourage you to take up a side project, something you can control. It'll help to break up your day, and give you a change from the laborious job applications. A few examples: Marie Kondo your room, write a blog, learn to knit (it obviously helps if your side hustle is something you really enjoy/are passionate about).
I started Couch to 5k (an app that helps convert complete non-runners into, in my case, semi-able runners), which has forced me to get up and out of the house, instead of being stuck inside in front of a computer screen all day.
 |
| Organisational wizard Marie Kondo wants you to get rid of those sparkly leg warmers you haven't worn since you were 13. |
2. Maintain routine
It's really important to maintain some type of structure to your day. It'll really help you not to feel aimless during this in-between-jobs phase.
- Try to keep a consistent wake-up and bedtime.
- Don't forget to incorporate breaks into your day, just as you would in a normal job.
- Make sure you get up, go outside if you can, stay hydrated, and you can't forget the importance of a motivational snack.
- Differentiate week vs. weekend, maybe planning some treats for Saturday and Sunday (e.g. cinema trip, seeing friends etc.)
Stretch those legs on a midday dog walk (*weather dependent*).
All that cover letter writing really works up an appetite. Better treat yourself to a weekend brunch.
3. Ask for help
Don't be afraid to use all the resources that are available to you! I know fully well how overwhelming this process can be, so asking for help can lighten your burden.
There's an abundance of recruitment agencies out there, whose jobs are literally to get you employed. If you know what industry you want to go into, use sites like LinkedIn to find people doing the jobs you're looking for and reach out to them. Spread the word that you're job hunting - chances are someone you know knows someone who knows someone whose cousin is hiring! Basically, network like hell.
 |
| This is Janet. Janet is networking her butt off. Be like Janet. |
4. Don't compare
This one is really difficult, and I'm definitely guilty of it. Try not to compare yourself to others. It's so easy to fall into a downward spiral as soon as you open the "Why are my friends so much further along in their careers than me?" door. Everyone's trajectory is different, and that's ok! If you haven't found your dream job/life's purpose yet, there's probably a reason why. Plus, the people you're comparing yourself to probably don't have it as together as you think.
To paraphrase the great Xtina: good things come to those who wait (Candyman, 2006).
 |
| Xtina telling you to stay strong. |
Ok this is kind of a given, but sometimes you just need to hear it. DON'T GIVE UP!
It can be really disheartening when you feel like the only responses you're getting are to tell you've been unsuccessful.
I like to think of it like this: If I don't get a job, it's because that's not the right job for me.
Just imagine you've got Jerry from Netflix's Cheer giving you motivational mat talk and you'll be good to go.
 |
| A true icon of our times. |
Good luck to all you job-hunting heroes out there!
Holly x
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