Searching for a new accounting job can be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly if the search takes longer than you anticipated. In fact, studies have found that job seekers who find themselves stuck in an extended job search process are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than their counterparts who find employment quickly. Unfortunately, this can turn into a vicious cycle that further complicates the search process as the job seeker succumbs to depression symptoms including lack of motivation and insomnia. The key, then, is to take active steps to avoid the job search blues when you’re on the hunt for a new position. Consider the following tips:
Become a volunteer. Volunteer work is an excellent way to cope with the stress and frustration associated with searching for a new job. For starters, volunteer work allows you to get out of the house and interact with people. It also can help you learn new skills or refine old ones. Additionally, you can use volunteering as an opportunity to network with new people; after all, you never know who might have a connection at that company you’ve been wanting to interview with! Remember, too, that you can include volunteer work on your resume to show future employers that you stayed busy and involved while looking for work.
Exercise. It might sound cliché, but exercise is vital to maintaining both your physical and mental well-being. That’s because exercise releases feel-good endorphins throughout the body that help to relieve stress and anxiety. Of course, you don’t have to dip into your savings to obtain a gym membership; just make a conscious effort to get out of the house and go for a long walk or bike ride every day.
Create a routine and stick to it. When you’re looking for work, it’s easy to fall into the habit of sleeping late and hanging out in your pajamas all day. While at first having no schedule to stick to might seem relaxing, it’ll eventually start to feel discouraging. To avoid succumbing to the job search blues, make sure to create a daily routine. Set your alarm just like you would if you were employed, eat a healthy breakfast, get dressed, and then treat the job search as your full-time job.
Be flexible. When it comes to looking for a job, sometimes we are our own worst enemies. If your job search is taking significantly longer than you expected, ask yourself if you’re being flexible in what types of positions you’ll consider. Of course, everyone wants to land their dream job, but it’s important to keep expectations realistic. If you find yourself in an extended job search, consider being open to non-traditional opportunities like temporary or temp-to-hire roles. After all, these types of positions can help you get your foot in the door at a company while also gaining valuable experience. An added bonus is that temporary work is a legitimate addition to your resume; it shows hiring managers that you took proactive steps to bridge the employment gap.
Don’t take it personally. Let’s face it: it’s hard not to take rejection personally. But internalizing every “we’ve chosen another candidate” letter received from potential employers is a surefire way to fall victim to the job search blues. Remember: rejection is a part of the job hunt process and no one is immune to it. So, whenever you receive not-so-positive news from a company you’ve interviewed with, keep in mind that there are likely dozens of other candidates who received the same message.
If you’re in the market for an accounting, finance, or administrative position in the San Diego area, contact us today to learn how we can help you with your search!
