As at 2014, the average job-search takes just over six weeks— although that varies considerably by industry. According to Jobvite’s survey, jobs are filled most quickly by hospitality and retail employers, at 36 and 40 days, respectively.
According to Seek – 75% of Australians who are currently searching for a new job have been looking for up to six months and of those, 26% have been looking for three to six months.
It’s an investment. An investment in your time, energy and depending on your progress – finances. Because the process, for the most part, isn’t a sprint, many professionals don’t realise how their home, health and outside work activities play into the effectiveness of their job search?
The stress of not landing interviews, finding the role you want and being turned down for positions can take its toll when you get beyond the first month of searching.
Here are 4 job search strategies to consider which are indirectly affecting your overall success and some tips make you feel good, more balanced and less stressed.
#1 Health
Are you taking care of yourself? Do you invest in eating well? Do you get out for a few minutes each day for some exercise and fresh air? Are you getting enough sleep?
Investing in your health is vital to keeping stress under control and your state of well-being during your job search.
#2 Outside Work Activities
Do you undertake hobbies or enjoyable activities outside of work? Participating in activities you enjoy and relax you are essential during your job search.
Don’t have the time?
You CAN find it if you give it some thought. Make a note of where you typically spend your time throughout the day (including morning and evenings). Identify an activity you don’t NEED to do and REPLACE it with something you love to do.
- Spending time with your family
- Playing sport
- Walking the dog
- Reading
The more relaxed and balanced you are, the more energy and focus you will have to give your job search.
#3 Environment
Is your office or home a mess? Clutter will drain your energy and productivity. So, it’s important to clean-up your work and living space.
If you have a family this can seem like an impossible task.
- Designate a specific area to use when conducting your job search
- This should be an area free of distractions
- Before starting any job search activity, make sure you check this environment to make sure it’s clutter free. If not, take a few moments to clean and clear your surroundings.
Remember your surroundings can mirror your mental outlook.
#4 Self-Worth
The longer your job search, the more your confidence and self-worth can take a beating. If this is how you are feeling then give this activity a try;
- Grab a pen and paper and write out 30 valuable skills and attributes you can bring to an employer.
- Pin this up or place it somewhere you can see when you are conducting your job search.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re unemployable and devalue your professional worth. This exercise is about taking a moment to remember what’s great about you.
Your motivation is going to increase and decrease, depending on the success (or lack of success) you are having in reaching your job search goal. Reward yourself for effort, not for results.
What are you going to invest in this week that will make you feel good, more balanced and less stressed?
