How to achieve a healthy pace when searching for a job

A big part of the life of a job seeker is spent networking, writing curriculum vitae and cover letters, interviewing, following up and hoping. In the end, it is marked on the edges by curt rejections and no replies and mounting pressure

Researchers for LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index recently surveyed more than 30,000 American professionals about how confident they felt about their prospects of keeping or finding a job. The response has slipped to +27 in May from +36 in January on a scale of +100 (most confident) to -100 (gloomiest).

This confidence is a huge part of staying motivated to keep pushing out applications.

According to John Dooney, Human Resource knowledge advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management (Shrm), the average time it takes to find a job in 2023 is five months. In industries with low demand, the period can be even longer. So what can you do to achieve a work-life balance during this time?

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Career experts suggest that workers may have to bolster their thinking around career paths amid tough labour-market conditions.

Plan "A" is usually full-time employment, salary and job benefits. However, Vicki Samelmi, a careers expert at jobs site Monster, says jobseekers may also need to consider plan "B" which includes a part-time, hourly job to maintain their skills, earn some money, network, get out of the house and stay engaged with the world around them.

How to get a healthy pace when searching for a job/Pexels Pulse

Create and stick to a daily routine

The job search can be time-consuming with little or no value so maintaining a routine outside of it can give you things to look forward to.

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Set a time to send applications

Just as you have time to attend to your life outside of work, designate a time to apply, get job alerts, and send out emails. Make job search a percentage of your day and not your whole day.

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Give yourself time

If you are suffering from low morale, or depression resulting from a job search, understand it may take time for your to recover from it. Be gentle with yourself and avoid increasing other stresses in your life amid survival.

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Prioritise yourself

While the job market can be uncertain and unpredictable, taking care of yourself is always possible. Practice healthy habits and emotional wellness as much as possible to cope with the process.