Getting Hired

HANDLING JOB HUNT STRESS As a recent or past college graduate, you may be dealing with a job search, career change, or job loss, and find yourself in the middle of an employment transition. You can’t instantly change your current job situation. What you can do is take control of it and manage your circumstances. It is important to view job hunt stress as an opportunity to reevaluate your current view of the entire hiring process. Give yourself credit for beginning a job search. It is hard work. The process can be difficult and leave you feeling frustrated. It involves time, research, and moving outside of your comfort zone. It challenges your status quo and may make life uncomfortable for a little while. But the rewards will be worth your efforts. Think about how some family members, friends, and acquaintances remain under-employed because they are afraid of the stress involved in making a job change. You want to avoid being in that position. Top Ten Job Hunt Stressors Job hunt stress is experienced by most job hunters. When it happens, it can have a devastating effect on your work and personal life. But job hunt stress can create opportunities in disguise. If you learn how to identify your stressors you can navigate any job market. Uncomfortable, anxious feelings are strong indications of job hunt stress. They are warning signs and give you advance notice of job-related frustrations. Mark “Y” for Yes, “N” for No, and “S” for Sometimes 1. You feel anxious, confused, and fearful because you are afraid you won’t get hired. __ 2. You worry about opportunities for career advancement and you feel you’ll be lucky to get hired anywhere. __ 3. You fear you may have to accept a lower salary just to be able to pay college loans. __ 4. You’re unsure of yourself because you believe other job seekers are more qualified. __ 5. You paid hundreds of dollars to have your resume prepared and it never generates interviews. __ 6. You feel vulnerable because you don’t have all the qualifications the employer is asking for in their position opening. __ 7. Your stress level rises the minute you start your job search because you’re not adequately prepared. __ 8. You’re afraid of the interview process. __ 9. You’re desperate to find a position you will love. __ 10. You’re afraid you won’t get hired in your degree field. __ Answers: • Yes answers indicate you still have some learning to do. You can ask for additional assistance from your college or university career services center. • Sometimes answers indicate you’re in the middle of learning how the job process works or are still unsure of exactly what to do. • No answers indicate you’re on the right track to getting hired. Seven Ways to Handle Job Hunt Worries To make the job search less fearful, try these strategies: • Identify work- related values that are key factors in targeting future employers who match your skills and interests. • Always be helpful to others and they will help you become an insider by identifying current and future job openings. • Cope with change on a daily basis and you will be able to handle any crisis. • Develop a sense of humor and use it to remind yourself that everyone has job disappointments and they are only temporary. Here are seven strategies you can use to take the worry out of your job search. 1. Develop Realistic Options View your career/employment circumstances from all angles and identify various options. Develop a survival mind set, and realize your ultimate goal may come at the end of several employment opportunities. You can make or break your employment search if your hiring goals are unrealistic. You need accurate information on the realities of the workplace. 2. Stay Focused Keep moving forward and visualize what it will be like to accept a meaningful job offer. Find a supportive network of positive family and friends who will encourage and guide you throughout the entire hiring process. Realize great positions are available in any job market. 3. Go Easy/Adapt Adopt a never give up attitude. Remember great positions are never created by chance. 4. Always Check Your Perceptions Misperceptions can make or break a job hunt. Only the facts will help you complete a successful job hunt. 5. Depend on Yourself Only you can measure job success. Know why you are the best person for the job. Be specific about your employment target. Advocate for yourself with a well-prepared resume and cover letter. 6. Release Fear Job hunt fear keeps you stuck in an unsuccessful job search. Everyone handles stress differently. Coping with job hunt transitions is difficult. Ask for help and advice from your peers and future employers. Welcome challenges by preparing a detailed hiring action plan. 7. Get Yourself Hired A successful job hunt is hard work and takes motivation. There are no free rides. • Are you going after the right job or the safe one? Select an employer whom you respect and want to work for. • Do your research. If the job description looks too good to be true, check it out. Talk to former employees and review the employer’s track record. Do their mission, values, and goals reflect yours? • Review your hiring priorities. This will help you apply for positions that match your skills and talents.