Nothing is more frustrating than not getting any positive results from your job application. You might have sent several resumes with cover letters, undergone various screening assessments, and had different job interviews. However, you haven't received any offers at all.
Enter job search fatigue. Nearly 75% of job seekers claim the job search process is one of the most stressful things in life. How do you avoid and handle physical and mental exhaustion in your job application? Resilience is key!
This page tackles what you need to know about job search fatigue. Read on to learn how to manage this fatigue through the art of resilience.
What Is Job Search Fatigue?
Job search fatigue is exactly what it sounds like—physical and mental exhaustion experienced when looking for a job. This holds true especially when the screening process takes time, and you don't get any positive response at all.
Think of sending numerous applications, getting nerve-wracking interviews, and taking various assessments. Worse, consider waiting for a recruiter's call, the application's next round, and the much-coveted job offer.
But why do most job seekers today experience fatigue? The proof is in the numbers:
Job applicants only get one interview call for every six applications submitted.
The average job seeker has to send 162 applications to get an offer.
On average, job seekers take 20 to 40 days to receive an offer after an interview.
The alarming statistics above clearly show how hard it is to get a job these days. As a job seeker, do what it takes to avoid experiencing fatigue. Stay resilient to get the job you deserve for employee development and career advancement.
Find out why resilience is vital for any job application below.
The Importance of Resilience in Job Applications
Job resilience is mustering enough strength to go through all the steps in the hiring process. It's also having the patience to wait for what you deserve—the promising job offer. Ultimately, it's being able to rise above any physical and mental exhaustion that comes with your job application.
Practicing the art of resilience in job search offers a handful of benefits:
Right job and employer: Staying resilient in your job application doesn't just make you settle for any work; It allows you to find the right job and the best employer. It gives you the patience to wait and the perseverance to work towards attaining your dream job.
Professional growth: Job search resilience helps you grow professionally. It lets you develop the right soft skills, such as communication and emotional quotient (EQ), and in-demand tech skills, like software development, data analysis and project management. It also triggers positive attributes, such as patience and determination, you need to succeed.
Career advancement: Resilience in job search can go a long way in your career. Not only does it let you grow professionally, but it also helps you advance and pivot into a new career, like venturing into tech. It opens the doorway for many job opportunities, allowing you to pick the one best suited for your career!
Take it from Chris Aubeeluck, Head of Sales and Marketing at Osbornes Law. He had his fair share of job searches before he earned his renowned position. He believes overcoming job-hunting challenges and achieving your dream work takes utmost resilience.
Aubeeluck says, "Resilience in job applications isn't just about getting through the process; it's about staying motivated for the right opportunities. Patience, persistence, and a focus on growth make all the difference when it comes to landing the role and the company that are truly right for you."
Learn how to prevent and handle job search fatigue in the next section.
How To Manage Your Job Search Fatigue
The job market has become more competitive than ever before. Consider the rise of remote tech work, e-commerce jobs, and healthcare-related roles amid the Great Resignation during the pandemic. Today, more and more people are looking for employment in the abovementioned industries.
Additionally, the job search has been on the rise due to the gig economy. Many freelancers have ventured into this rising industry, looking for one job after another. In fact, its global market could grow from $355 billion in 2021 to $1.86 trillion by 2031 at a 16.18% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
However, it's easy to experience job search fatigue. This holds true whether you're applying in the tech, e-commerce, and healthcare industries or seeking contractual work in the gig economy.
So, how do you manage your job search fatigue? Here's how to stay resilient in your job applications:
1. Define your professional goals
Rodger Desai, CEO of Prove, recommends starting with goal-setting for any job search. He believes that setting clear professional goals will keep you guided and motivated throughout your job application.
Desai says, "Defining your professional goals is the first step in any successful job search. Knowing what you're aiming for—whether it's training, leadership, or that dream role—helps you stay focused and make decisions that align with your long-term vision."
Here are some career objectives you might have:
To kickstart your career. You might be a fresh graduate looking for an entry-level position or transitioning from bootcamp to the workplace.
To get the necessary training. You might be searching for an employer that offers training programs and learning opportunities for professional growth.
To take a leadership role. This time, you're looking for a job as a leader, whether a supervisor or a manager.
To have a promotion. As your current employer doesn't allow you to get promoted, you seek promotion elsewhere.
To fulfill your dream job. You might have long been working in various companies or niches. But this time, you want to make your dream job come true.
2. Set a career plan in place
A line is drawn between setting professional goals and developing career plans. However, the latter is key to achieving the former. So, creating a career roadmap is best for guiding your job-hunting endeavor. Here's how:
Know your purpose. What do you want to become as a professional?
Define your goals. Consider the professional goals listed above.
List your prospects. Search for prospective employers and available jobs.
Create a blueprint. It's best to set a career roadmap, whether short or long-term.
Follow your blueprint. What better way to succeed than to stick to your career plan? Make career changes only when necessary.
Reyansh Mestry, Head of Marketing at TopSource Worldwide, emphasizes the need to create a career roadmap. He claims that this career blueprint lays out your professional career path and guides you in your job search.
Mestry explains, "Having a career plan is like having a roadmap—it keeps you on track and helps make job decisions that align with your larger goals. A clear blueprint for your career can guide you through the twists and turns of any job search."
3. Put in the real hard work
Kim Perry, Chief Growth Officer at emtelligent, underscores the importance of hard work for professional growth and career advancement. Contrary to popular belief, she believes it is key to preventing job search fatigue.
Perry says, "The more you work hard to achieve your dream job, the easier and faster you'll get it. Not putting in the work will make you even more stressed and burned out in your job application."
Perry adds, "To combat job search fatigue, align your application with the values and mission of the organization you're applying to. When you connect your skills and experiences to what the company stands for, it not only enhances your application but also keeps you motivated and engaged in the process."
Below are key steps to take for a robust job application:
Polish your resume and cover letter. When looking for a job, it's time to update your resume. Likewise, create a personalized cover letter relevant to the company you're applying for, not a generic one.
Prepare your portfolio and credentials. It's time to review or build your portfolio to sell your professional self. Also, secure the necessary paperwork to support your credentials, whether professional licenses or training certificates.
Do your homework for a job search. Fret not, as the Internet is a goldmine of job portals and available positions. You just need to be aggressive and resourceful when looking for a job.
Prepare for upcoming job interviews. For instance, list questions commonly asked for tech interviews and all possible related inquiries. Then, have a mock interview to get the hang of any job interviews. Note: Over half of applicants fail a job interview due to body language mistakes:
Give your best during the screening. This is easier said than done. But while at it, do what it takes to ace the exams and nail the interviews. There should be no holding back!
4. Stretch your patience more
Utmost patience is the key to professional success, which applies to any job search. Understand that the job market has become tighter than ever before. So, the best thing you can do is to give your best and be patient while waiting for the results.
To stretch your patience, here's what you can do:
Focus on your work. If you haven't resigned while looking for a job, continue to accomplish your tasks at work. This idea works if you're still waiting for your upcoming interviews, the assessment results, or the actual tech job offer.
Pursue your hobbies and interests. If you have quit from work to look for another job, take the time to unwind and relax. Sure, you should be aggressive in your job applications. However, you need some rest or relaxation to avoid job search fatigue.
Take time to work out. Nothing beats being physically active and healthy. It makes you more energized, inspired, and motivated in your job search. So, while at it, make sure to have regular exercise.
Develop and acquire new skills. If you're waiting for job interviews, results, or offers, invest yourself in skills development and knowledge enhancements. You can also use these knowledge and skills for professional growth and career advancement.
Just be patient. Practicing patience is easier said and done. However, knowing your purpose, having a career plan, and trusting in your skills and abilities can set you up for success. You just have to give your best and wait for what's right for you.
Kathryn MacDonell, CEO at Trilby Misso Lawyers, highlights the value of patience in any job search. She believes that "Patience can be one of your greatest assets in a job search. The process may be longer and tougher than anticipated, but staying resilient and focused pays off.
MacDonell suggests, "Use this time to keep learning, build on your strengths, and find fulfillment in your daily life while you wait. Trust that, with persistence and confidence in your abilities, the right role will come along—it's all about the balance between giving your best and knowing when to pause and recharge."
5. Practice the art of self-care
Albert Kim, VP of Talent at Checkr, recommends practicing self-care to address job search fatigue. "Job searching can be intense, so taking care of yourself along the way is essential."
Kim suggests, "Simple things like eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and keeping active help you stay focused and energized. A little self-care goes a long way toward making sure you're at your best for each opportunity that comes your way."
Consider the following self-care recommendations:
Eat healthily. Proper nutrition keeps you physically energized and mentally prepared for your job application, whether interviews or assessments. Take some of the food recommendations straight from the World Health Organization (WHO):
Stay hydrated. Yes, you must drink eight glasses a day. However, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends the daily fluid intake (DFI) for both men and women: 3.7 liters of fluids for men ( 15.5 cups) and 2.7 liters of fluids for women ( 11.5 cups).
Exercise regularly. Take the time to work out when looking for a job, especially when you're still waiting for the results. That will keep you preoccupied and motivated to get the job you deserve. A daily brisk walk for at least 30 minutes won't hurt.
Have enough sleep. Get a night of restful and restorative slumber, especially if you have a scheduled job interview or assessment the next day. Follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC's sleep recommendations:
Take a break. While you should be aggressive in your job search, you must also have the time to relax and unwind. Resting well will make you more physically enthusiastic and mentally prepared for your job applications.
Final Words
Job search fatigue is real, especially in today's competitive job market. Learning to prevent and handle physical and mental exhaustion is crucial in any job application—Resilience is the key!
That said, consider the practical tips and steps discussed above. Start by defining your professional goals and end with practicing self-care. Likewise, set your career roadmap, put in the hard work, and stretch your patience. By doing so, you can rise above the job search fatigue.
Ultimately, you'll get the job you deserve for professional growth and career advancement!
Are you looking to establish your career in the tech industry? Explore our Bootcamps to prepare yourself for a job search and avoid experiencing fatigue. Boost your career with Ironhack!
Author: Emma Becker
Emma Becker is a psychologist and professional counselor. She specializes in mindfulness-based interventions and stress management techniques. Her main goal is to guide people towards greater self-awareness and resilience.
