Here’s how it’s changed – and how to fight it.

Job search burnout – the demotivation and stress that come from longer job searches – is nothing new. We see countless job searchers overcome with the frustration of applying to hundreds of jobs online with no response back, failing to get job offers, and simply feeling lost as to what is going on in their local job market. 

Across the world, the past 18 months have resulted in a dramatic increase in people experiencing negative emotions. In December 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported 42% of Americans were suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression. While there are many sources of these feelings, the vast amount of job seekers working tirelessly to find employment in an unprecedented market, were most definitely experiencing these symptoms and high levels of stress which can cause burnout that damages productivity and ultimately your ability to find a job.

Here’s a closer look at how the events of the last year and the shift to virtual hiring have contributed to job search burnout and some strategies to help overcome it and land a great opportunity!

The pandemic has posed some serious challenges that have impacted job seekers. Among them: no in-person networking, less in-person jobs, uncertain timelines and uncertain expectations from companies. Here are some common burnout causing factors and how to avoid them!

Eliminate Isolation

After an extended period of remote job searching with no in-person networking or in-person interviews, you can feel that you aren’t truly connecting with employers which can be problematic for your mindset and ultimately your results. To eliminate this isolation, try……

Set Limits

It’s easy to allow job searching to become your full-time job while you don’t have one. And from there, it’s easy for job search to encompass your whole life. Which is easier to do in today’s virtual world when you are job searching online – time passes ever so quickly! But soon you’ll learn – after only 3-4 hours of searching for jobs, submitting applications, and reworking resumes, there are diminishing returns. You won’t be as sharp, productive, and in high spirits. 

While it may sound counterintuitive, it can be more effective to spend less time job searching. Smaller amounts of focused and quality time is the way to go rather than spending countless hours applying to countless jobs.Don’t risk not landing great opportunities due to not being at your best! 

Reassess Your Strategy

Work smarter and not harder. If you’ve been on the market for a while (more than two or three months) it may be time to take a deep dive into your strategy. Think about: does my resume need updating or polished? Am I representing myself based on the jobs I have had or the one I want? Where am I applying for jobs? Which methods have been most effective?

Focus on the methods that have been most effective then put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and think:

• Are they able to see my most relevant skills and experience that will make me successful in the specific position they are hiring for?
• Do I come across as understanding my strongest skills and what I want in a job?
• Does my resume have an accurate, quantitative representation of my skills and experience? Learn more about that here.

Remove Negativity

When it comes to job searching, inner confidence is everything. Have you ever heard the saying “It’s easier to find a job when you have a job”? It’s true. Simply by turning your thought patterns from negativity to confidence and hope you can put yourself on a path forward to landing a great job and reaching your career goals!

Job Search With a Staffing Partner

Job searching with a staffing partner can help you access job opportunities in the “hidden” marketplace. This is especially important if you are looking for a job within an employer of choice that can be difficult to get into without some representation. But most importantly, a staffing company recruiter can be your personal advocate, help you discover what type of job is the best fit,  and ensure you don’t have to go it alone!

Get started today! Our Candidate Services team is ready to speak with you at (425) 637-3311

PACE Staffing Network is one of the Puget Sound’s premier staffing /recruiting agencies and has been helping  Northwest job seekers find their “just right” jobs for over 40 years. A  5-time winner of the coveted “Best in Staffing” designation , PACE is ranked in the top 2% of staffing agencies nationwide based on annual surveys of customer satisfaction.

PACE provides multiple placement options:

• Direct Placement – Full or Part Time
• Temp to Hire Auditions
• Short or Long Term Temporary Assignments – Full or Part Time
• Contracts & Projects

For more information on how the PACE Staffing Network can help you find the right Temp-to-Hire audition for you, give our Candidate Services team a call today at 425-637-3311 or send us an Email