Job Search Burnout (The Cause and the Cure)

Posted by Lorraine on September 25, 2017 - Unemployment - Job Hunting

 

When you focus intensely on any one goal or intention, it's almost inevitable that burnout will follow. Anyone who's been in a job search more than few weeks can relate. It's all cute and fun in the beginning until you apply, apply and apply and then....nothing. Or, you interview, interview, and interview but... no offers. If you ever experienced this, you are NOT alone. And no, you don't have a disease either. The application system is flawed in so many ways.

It's only natural to lose motivation (and shreds of sanity) when you do the work and don't see results. It's enough to make anyone crazy. You send off your resume, update your LinkedIn, and do all of the things that you think you are supposed to. And still...nothing. This is SO common.

Here's what the problem often is. All of the focus is on "doing" but not on whether or not it's really effective. A job search is about QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. The person who fires off 100 resumes online will NOT get better results than the person who submits 20 resumes to companies that they actually want to work at, and have researched, and networked at. Those are two completely different job searches.

An effective job search is not about checking things off of a list. It's about being intentional, strategic and inspired in your approach. I know that's a tall order when you are in your 6th month of unemployment. Or your 10th. If that's the case, take a few days off. Don't search for a few days and get refocused. (Notice I didn't say two weeks!) Then, come back to it with a different attitude and strategy. If what you are doing isn't working, TRY SOMETHING ELSE.

Or, if you don't have time to play around, consider getting help. I've had so many clients say to me, "I wish I had hired you sooner." Why? Because sometimes your level of effort isn't the problem. Sometimes it's the quality of the effort. If you don't know how to write a strong resume, network effectively or leverage LinkedIn, then your time is wasted.

If you don't know how to fix your own car, you hire a mechanic. If you don't know how to manage your money, you hire a financial advisor. This is how the world works. Somethings are worth the risk and the investment.

And of course, a resume is just one aspect of the search. For the most effective approach, consider coaching. A real, live mentor who is also invested in your success.

What would that do for your search?

I am opening up a limited number of spots on my calendar for coaching clients. Is the program for everyone? No. I don't enroll everyone who inquires because I pride myself on "right fit." If you are curious though, you can request a phone call with me here:

https://www.worksmartcounseling.com/programs/coaching
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