How to Take a Break During Your Job Search
Applying to every position out there may indicate a feeling of overwhelm or a loss of touch with what you need and want to achieve in your professional pursuit.
Written by Valentine Fabre
Job searching is a full-time job in and of itself, with candidates often experiencing rejections and non-responses that feel physically and mentally taxing. Indeed, to see the application and interview processes through, job seekers must find ways to rest and recharge. Just as companies offer employees time off work, it is essential to allow yourself some breathing time amidst your search to reflect on your experience so far and get back out there well-ready.
If the below scenarios apply to you, consider taking a break from your job search.
You Have Lost Sight of What Your Search Is About
A lack of purpose is the first sign that you need to rest from your job search. If you feel yourself applying to every position out there without considering whether it is a good fit or without researching the company offering the post, it may indicate a feeling of overwhelm or a loss of touch with what you need and want to achieve in your professional pursuit.
Time off will allow you to reflect and gain perspective on your search and applications. For a predefined timeframe, stay off professional platforms like LinkedIn or The Dots, which can become a source of anxiety as they can easily tempt you to compare yourself to others. This will allow you to clear your mind without constant reminders of your own trajectory.
Explore what you are looking to do and why, as this will give you clear tools to start again, specifically when working on your cover letters and CV.
“A break could be used to reconnect with family and close friends, as well as seek out guidance and adopt new hobbies and personal interests that can be used to develop additional skills and qualifications. ”
Your Motivation is Dwindling
Last year, LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index found that between the months of January and May, employment seekers’ confidence decreased by 25%, illustrating that maintaining a steady pace in your job search is mentally challenging.
Taking time to reevaluate and rethink your job search strategy will allow you to regain confidence and conviction. A break could be used to reconnect with family and close friends, as well as seek out guidance and adopt new hobbies and personal interests that can be used to develop additional skills and qualifications.
You Are Waiting to Hear Back and Could Use a Distraction
According to Indeed, 44% of job seekers hear back from employers within a couple of weeks. A hiatus from your job search post-interview will help you get through this nerve-wracking time, allowing you to wait for an update without feeling like you immediately need to rebound from an application. Utilise this time to work on things on the periphery of your job search, such as your personal brand and online presence.
Find more tips and tools to unlock your next opportunity directly on The Glowth Academy.