“There is usually a lot of stress in the air when going through a job search. You have to find a certified resume writer you can trust, call creditors to warn them of potential missed payments due to unemployment, and perhaps even have some difficult conversations with family members until things are back on track. If not careful, going through this process can prove to be mentally taxing and even cause you to spiral into depression.”
As David Joseph Schwartz aptly put it, “Success depends on the support of other people. The only hurdle between you and what you want to be is the support of other people.” Indeed, having a robust support system can be the difference between staying afloat and drowning in the sea of job search stress. Here are some tips to structure a support system that can not only aid with the search but also relieve some of the associated stress.
Get Family and Friends on the Same Page
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, having family members and friends who are not aligned with your job search needs can be problematic. They might not take your job search as seriously as you do. This lack of understanding is not always intentional; sometimes they just do not know any better. It is up to you to turn these individuals into allies in your cause.
Have candid conversations with your friends and family members. Let them know that you need space to conduct an effective job search and that you could use their assistance from time to time. This help can be in various forms: transportation, housekeeping, babysitting, or simply providing supportive conversation and positive reinforcement. Ensure they are aware of (and respect) your job search spaces and designated job search times.
Meet with Other Job Seekers for Support
Nothing eases a tough time quite like knowing others are dealing with the same situation. Arrange to meet up with other individuals who are also conducting job searches. This is beneficial for your morale, and you might learn some excellent job search management tips from others that you hadn’t considered before. They might even know about a position that didn’t interest them but could be perfect for you. These like-minded individuals can help keep you accountable for using your time wisely, and vice versa.
Did you know that meetup.com has 138 groups specifically for unemployed support? Find out if there is one in your city and join.
Find a Mentor
The best way to get from point A to point B is to find someone who is already at point B and ask them how they got there. Mentors are invaluable for this purpose. Connecting with a mentor not only keeps your eye on the final goal, but you also gain access to excellent advice and little-known strategies for achieving your objective. Mentors often have connections that can open doors for you. A simple conversation might lead to a phone call to one of their colleagues, resulting in an interview. It’s always beneficial to have a relationship with someone successful in your field.
Think of it as having a roadmap on a car trip. If someone has already mapped the terrain and can tell you where all the potholes, traffic delays, and dead ends are, why wouldn’t you adjust your trip accordingly?
Join Good LinkedIn Groups
As of the first quarter of 2015, LinkedIn had 364 million users across the globe. It is fast becoming the primary business networking platform on Earth. You can find additional support for your job search by becoming a member of various LinkedIn groups. Ask questions and let others help you build a strategy. Whether these groups target the job search process, interviewing skills, or industry-specific information and current events, LinkedIn professionals can provide feedback that will strengthen your search process. Don’t just lurk; participate and contribute!
By the way, if you are not on LinkedIn yet, rectify that immediately.
Consider a Session or Two with a Psychiatrist
Stress from mounting bills, family pressures, and other factors can weigh on you mentally. Hopefully, chatting with friends and family can help relieve that tension. However, if you cannot find psychological relief there, consider one or two sessions with a mental health professional. These individuals can help you sort out feelings and perceptions that may be affecting your health or even your search effectiveness. Depending on your health insurance plan, this might be a covered visit. Even if it isn’t, talking to someone who can help you sort things out is always money well spent.
Conclusion
Navigating the job search process can be challenging, but having a solid support system can make all the difference. By aligning family and friends with your goals, connecting with other job seekers, finding a mentor, leveraging LinkedIn groups, and considering professional mental health support, you can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety associated with this journey. Remember, success often depends on the support of others. Don’t be afraid to reach out and build the network that will help you achieve your career goals.
by William Mitchell, CPRW
