Taking Care of Your Mental Health While Job Hunting

Searching for a new job can be stressful, whether you’re new to the jobs market or have been unemployed for a long time. If you’re experiencing symptoms of stress, like low mood, interrupted sleep or low confidence, you may need to take steps to care for your mental health. One of the best ways to protect your mental health is to notice and acknowledge how you’re feeling from one day to the next.

If you know what is ‘normal’ for you, it’s easier to spot warning signs if your mental health starts to deteriorate.

How can job hunting impact your mental health?

A report from the Health Foundation identified three aspects of unemployment and job hunting that can negatively impact mental health:

• the stress of losing your job and having a minimal structure to your daily routine

• financial concerns caused by a loss of income, creating insecurity and a loss of confidence or self-esteem issues

• the social security system, the conditions of the jobs market and understanding and applying for unemployment benefits.

  
  

The practicalities of job seeking, like deciding on a new career path, rewriting your CV and making a good impression in an interview, can all add additional stress.

Building up your resilience can help you manage stress and retain a positive approach to job seeking. While resilience is something we all have to some degree, you may need to nurture and develop it to protect your mental health while job hunting.

How does good mental health benefit jobseekers?

Maintaining good mental health reduces the risk of developing stress, anxiety and depression and can even improve your chances of securing a job.

A positive outlook radiates through your application, the choice of words you use in your CV and your body language during an interview. Employers aren’t just looking for technical skills; they also want someone who will fit in with their team, so you are more likely to be successful if you can demonstrate a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.

The more confident you are in yourself and your skills, the more likely you will apply for a greater variety of jobs. Job descriptions may specify preferred qualifications and experience, but employers are realistic and often willing to employ candidates who are prepared to learn on the job.

Tips to help you maintain your good mental health

Think about your appearance. Knowing that you’ve made an effort with your appearance can help you carry yourself with confidence. A haircut and a smart, appropriate outfit make a good impression and help you feel like you look the part.

Create a daily routine. Setting goals and targets can help you feel in control of the job-hunting process. You could limit your job search to one or two hours a day to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. As well as searching and applying for jobs, you can also allocate time to developing your skills through online training courses or workshops.

Be kind to yourself. Even the most qualified of candidates will receive a rejection at some point. Job hunting is highly competitive, and you don’t know what attributes the other candidates may have. Therefore, you need to focus on your strengths and why an employer should hire you. You can only control what you do, not what the recruiter thinks.

Focus on the positives. After each job interview, write down what you think went well and any areas for improvement. These notes can help you prepare for subsequent job interviews. Rather than be disheartened by an unsuccessful application, see it as an opportunity for growth and ask for feedback on how you can improve.

Claim financial support. Unemployment benefits act as a buffer until you secure a new job. If you can alleviate some of the financial stress of unemployment, you are more able to focus your energy on your job hunt. Check whether you’re entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance here.

How good mental health can help you succeed

There are many benefits to looking after yourself and putting your mental health first in every aspect of your life, not just your job search. Taking care of your mental health can help you become more resilient, improve your self-esteem and boost your confidence as you search for a new job. Not only does this improve your employability, but it will help you hit the ground running from your very first day in your new role.

For practical help on finding a job and preparing your application, see the Job Lookup The Ultimate Jobseekers Guide.

Are you passionate about supporting others? Are you looking for a new role to progress your career in the field of mental health, clinical wellbeing or complementary therapies? Do you want to build your own unique online job seeker profile to enhance your applicant experience?

Visit the Harmonia Careers Job Board to find your next opportunity today!