10 Tips for Job Searching When You Also Have Depression

Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep, and practicing good sleep hygiene are key to managing your stress. Breaking down the job search into smaller, more manageable tasks will make the process less daunting and put you in control. Besides pressure from those around you, the pressure depression and job search you put on yourself can cause you to have unrealistic expectations. And when you don’t meet them, you’ll only harbor more mental and physical stress, as well as burnout and physical exhaustion. This pressure from your family and friends can cause strained relationships and housing stress.

Keep in mind that while your job search may take some time, it won’t last forever. One of the biggest reasons for job search depression is the financial pressures. The job market is always competitive, but the global coronavirus pandemic has made finding jobs even more difficult for some people. We will feel the economic impact of COVID-19 for years to come. You might not feel like you’ll be in a position to have options to decline an offer that isn’t the perfect fit for you.

Policy Implications and the Role of Employers

Are you targeting your resume to the specific position or are you sending a generic resume to all openings? Do your research on the employer and the position, and make sure your resume focuses on what each employer needs. Recognizing the signs of job search depression and addressing it are critical for your mental and emotional well-being. Maintaining a structured routine, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-care can all contribute to coping with and overcoming this distress. Contact us today to learn how BetterUp’s career coaching service can help you accelerate positive change professionally and personally. Job search depression is a real thing, and it’s not something you should take lightly.

job search rejection depression

Instead of taking one small event and generalizing it inappropriately, the mental filter takes one small event and focuses on it exclusively, filtering out anything else. One way to combat overgeneralization is to focus on using realistic language. Instead of saying, « I always do that!, » say something such as, « That happens sometimes, but I’ll try to do better next time. » Research has found that participating in some kinds of regular volunteer work can help to ease the symptoms of depression. And staying busy can prevent you from getting stuck too much in your own head when depression is looming. Living with depression can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Personality

For example, think about how your parents need support now that they’re older. Try to notice the thoughts that contribute to feelings of anxiety, negativity, or depression. Practices such as journaling and mindfulness may help you build better awareness of your own thoughts.

Countless days of scouring job boards, submitting résumés and not hearing back can make you feel drained, discouraged and despondent. Just know that it’s going to happen, and generally, it’s not personal, even though it feels that way. I have hired a lot of coaches over the years and there are often 50 candidates for one position. You are definitely not alone, and you are not in the minority if you are rejected. Learn what you can, change what you should, and then let it go and move on to the next opportunity.

Why can job hunting cause depression?

I began naming their depression in our appointments, asking them how they were feeling overall — outside of looking for work. I’d comment they seemed tired or down, and ask how they were looking after themselves. For many of the people I worked with, they didn’t have someone asking them about anything other than when they were going to get a job. Taking an interest in them as a person immediately created a change.

job search rejection depression

Here we speak to people about their experiences and an expert provides some tips on how to job hunt effectively when you’re struggling with motivation. Staying organized will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with the job search process. It’ll also help you keep all of your priorities and responsibilities in balance. Remember that even if you’re doing the right things, finding a job can be a struggle. Depending on what your experience level is and what your career and salary needs are, finding the right position can take time. The headlines about the job market usually reflect macro conditions that might not be relevant to your search.

But for a recent college graduate, the job hunt is just one of many significant changes and new endeavors. Maybe you’re also looking for a new place to live or cultivating a new group of non-college friends. Perhaps you’ve had to move in with a family member just until you start earning an income or learn for sure if you’ll need to relocate for your new job. From a mental health perspective, the pressures and unknowns of these changes become overwhelming. Professionals in human resources, career coaching, and mental health have noted the growing prevalence of job search depression.

Let’s take a look at how to deal with job depression and how to navigate the job-hunting process with a positive mindset. Stage 1 – Research and Set Goals
Make a list of positions and companies that appeal to you. Then, research the qualifications needed for each job and each company. Don’t forget to study the company’s mission statement and values. Consider what skills you need or plan to develop if you apply to a particular position in a specific company.

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About the Author : Cédric CARON

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