How to Defeat Job Hunt Burnout

Job hunting can be an exhausting task – both physically and mentally. It is not uncommon for those repeatedly filling out job applications and revising their resumes for each position to grow weary of the process and consider throwing in the towel altogether.

This is often referred to as job hunt burnout. Typical signs of burnout include feeling overwhelmed or stressed by simple tasks, poor health, becoming irritable and frustrated, or having a decreased desire for social interaction.

If this sounds familiar, do not give up! It may not seem like it, but you can overcome this slump. The following are several steps to help you learn how to defeat job hunt burnouts:

Step 1: Create a routine.

Your first step is to create a job hunting routine. In a way, the job application process should be like a full-time job, complete with starting and ending times.

Rather than applying at all hours of the day, or random intervals, you should create a consistent schedule to follow.

Step 2: Take a break.

One of the most common causes of job hunt burnout is a failure to step away from the computer and relax. And so, sprinkled throughout your routine should be moments of rest. Just like you would take periodic breaks at work, you should do the same when applying to jobs.

Take a break whenever you need one, or at regular intervals. For example, maybe you take a short break after every application completed, or a more substantial break after every three. Or maybe you grind away until you feel burnout creeping in and then you take your break.

Step 3: Keep track of your successes.

Rejection hurts. And when applying for jobs, you will likely experience a lot of rejection. It is easy to get discouraged if you focus only on all the opportunities you do not get. That is why the next step in learning to defeat job hunt burnout is switching your perspective and actively counting your successes – no matter how small those successes may be.

For example, maybe you can keep track of every employer than responds to your application or invites you to have an interview. Or, you can simply take pride in how many applications you have submitted that day. Whatever it is, make sure you pat yourself on the back for the great work you are doing.

Step 4: Find a cheerleader.

Sometimes it is hard to see our successes and wins. That is why you need someone in your corner cheering you on. This can be a spouse, partner, friend or family member.

Not only will the right cheerleader keep you focused and accountable, he or she will also be there to pick you up and offer words of encouragement and motivation after a particularly rough or discouraging day.

Step 5: Find ways to help others.

The final step is one of the most important and effective ways of defeating job hunt burnout. Find opportunities to help and serve others. There are many benefits to volunteering, including self-esteem boosts and improvements to one’s sense of purpose.

See if there are any volunteer opportunities in your area. If not, see if there is someone in your immediate group of friends or family that you can assist.

Bonus Step: Re-evaluate your strategy.

For some, their job application strategy is to apply to as many positions as possible. But this can quickly lead to burnout because you are constantly applying. A more effective strategy (and less tiresome one) is to focus on the right open positions and tailor your approach to each of those open positions.

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