8 Ways to Beat Job Search Burnout

Written by: Mia Barnes

Looking for a new job is not an easy process, and it can easily become overwhelming and exhausting. Young women are already up against gender disparities in the workforce, which can make your job search even more stressful. Consider some leading ways to prevent and reduce burnout while applying to open positions. You’ll be more at ease while working through each application.

1. Schedule Your Applications

Determination makes anything feel possible. You might open your laptop after brewing your morning coffee and spend the rest of the day applying to open positions. The effort is admirable, but not sustainable. If you try doing that every day, you’ll use most of your energy and feel close to burnout.

Research shows that young adults have an average attention span of 76.24 seconds, which decreases as you age. Try scheduling your day to accommodate your brain’s needs. Work on applications for short periods and follow those time blocks with breaks. You’ll continue submitting applications without pushing yourself to exhaustion.

2. Save Questions and Answers

Many job posts ask the same questions. If you’re typing the same answers into boxes for hours, you’ll feel burnout building quickly. Save the most common questions and your answers in a digital notepad. You can paste your responses to save some effort before editing them to each company’s specific requests.

3. Adjust Your Timeline Perspective

Experts found that 70% of all working-age employees are looking for new careers. You’re applying to the same jobs as many other people, so recruiters have plenty of interview choices. You might think spending eight hours applying for open positions daily will help you land a new job faster, but remember your competition. If you accept a potentially longer timeline, you won’t feel as pressured and could reduce your daily stress.

4. Take Regular Breaks

One break in an eight-hour job application session might not help your brain as much as you’d like. Take mini breaks throughout each day. You’ll moderate your stress better, give your mind time to recharge and restore your mood with fun activities. When it’s time to apply for jobs again, you’ll feel refreshed and ready.

5. Go for Walks

You don’t need to invest in a gym membership to benefit from exercise during your job search. Getting active stimulates the production of mood-boosting endorphins, so put on your tennis shoes and go for a walk. A quick stroll around your neighborhood will change your scenery while boosting your outlook. You’ll return to your computer with renewed energy, especially if you listen to something fun or chat with a friend while walking.

6. Create a Dream Board

Imagine your life after getting a new job. What will it look like when you’re off the clock? Spend your application breaks making a digital or printed dream board. This is a fun, no-stakes way to spend your time. When you’re fixated on high-pressure tasks like applying to jobs, switching your focus to something that doesn’t pay the bills will reduce your stress during breaks. 

7. Network With Old and New Contacts

Throwing your name in with hundreds of other digital applications can feel like shouting into a void. Networking can give you a better chance at landing an interview. Relationships make you stand out in the job market. Start connecting with recruiters through platforms like LinkedIn. You could message them to discuss a job you applied for and mention how you’d love to talk more about the position.

You could also attend in-person or virtual hiring events. Attendees speak with talent specialists who are hiring people with their skill set. You’ll walk around various tables set up by companies from numerous industries, which could also expand your career potential. Bring copies of your resume in case you meet a recruiter who wants to speak more after the event.

8. Focus on Self-Care Every Day

Unemployment is stressful. You might want to spend every moment doing something that could pay the bills, but remember to save time for self-care. Explore relaxing activities to see what helps you reset. You could end the day playing a video game, crocheting, calling a friend or dancing in your living room. As long as you feel relaxed, this time will strengthen your mind for your next round of applications

Reduce and Prevent Job Search Burnout

Submitting your resume for hours could help you get an interview, but you likely won’t land a new job overnight. Take care of yourself to prevent burnout. If you schedule your efforts, take breaks and focus on self-care, you’ll maintain your mental health during the weeks or months it takes to find the best workplace for your career.