Stress & Anxiety Management during the Job Search Process
The job search process is often accompanied by a mix of intense and conflicting emotions. In addition to excitement, anticipation, and hopefulness we can also be confronted with stress, anxiety, and fear. These uncomfortable emotions, if not managed effectively, can get in the way of the job search and lead to procrastination and poor performance. There are many steps to the job search process, including identifying which jobs to apply for, completing the applications, creating a resume, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. Each of these steps presents its own unique opportunities as well as emotional challenges. Skidmore鈥檚 Career Development Center (links below) features a variety of excellent resources pertaining to the creation of application documents and preparation for interviews. As a counseling center, we hope to address the emotional toll this process can present. Below is a collection of resources that you can use to assist you in coping with the specific stressors that exist throughout the various stages of getting started with your new career. If you need assistance in choosing a career path, getting started with the search process, preparing application documents, and practicing for interviews, please contact the Career Development Center at (518) 580-5790. If you are struggling with the emotional impact of the job search process or have mental health concerns that are getting in your way, consider contacting Skidmore鈥檚 Counseling Center at (518) 580-5555.
Skidmore鈥檚 Career Development Center Resources
Career Development Center (CDC) 鈥� (518) 580-5790
- Skidmore鈥檚 Career Development Center is a department on campus dedicated to helping students prepare for and obtain the employment they seek. They can also assist undecided students in exploring various options. Call them to make an appointment if you鈥檇 like help discussing career prospects and starting on your path toward employment.
COVID-19 Resources by CDC
- Skidmore鈥檚 Career Development Center put together a resource page specifically oriented toward career-related resources during this time of global pandemic.
Apps
- This app aims to help you reduce stress by guiding you through a variety of meditations tailored to your specific concerns or challenges. Simply choose a meditation that fits your needs and the app will lead you step-by-step through the relaxation process.
- Calm is another popular app for relaxation and improved sleep. It can teach you various meditation and breathing techniques and even deliver a unique daily 10-minute meditation to you every morning.
Videos
- A TED Talk by a neuroscientist on how to effectively manage stress during intense high-pressure situations.
Articles
- This article provides a researched perspective on understanding and coping with the stress of a job interview.
- This article by Forbes discusses a very common source of anxiety 鈥� job interviews 鈥� and offers 10 tips for coping with this anxiety.
- This article discusses the most common causes of job search stress and ways to cope with that stress.
- When faced with a job search, anxiety often gets the best of us and we end up procrastinating. This article lists 5 tips for overcoming procrastination related to the job search process.
- Using the lens of positive psychology to confront self-defeating thoughts and face the fear of failing at your new job.
Books
- This book focuses primarily on the stress related to job interviews and ways to overcome it.