You spend hours perfecting your resume, days scrolling through job boards, and weeks waiting for a response.
If you feel exhausted from job searching, you’re not alone.
“Just feeling as if we are sending all of this information out into an abyss,” said Paul Patti with Greybeard Coaching.
In fact, 55% of unemployed Americans feel burnt out from job searching, with the biggest hit on Gen Z, where 66% report severe fatigue.
But with bills needing to be paid and food to be put on the table, you often need to get over it.
The first step to recharge? Time limits.
“Once you go beyond two hours a day, your effectiveness in looking at job sites goes down,” said Patti.
Be sure to update your resume for specific jobs.
Adding relevant skills, keywords, and accomplishments can boost your chances of getting past screening software.
Also, step away from the screen. One in five employers said in a LinkedIn survey that they have hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience.
Next — show up. Career fairs put you face-to-face with hiring managers, something a resume can’t do alone.
“Every trade association has events throughout the country,” explained Patti.
Follow the 80-20 rule. Focus most of your time — 80% — on jobs that match your strengths, and the other 20% on stretch roles you can grow into.
And don’t do it alone. Find an accountability partner to check in, lift you up and celebrate the small wins.
And here’s one final tip when you do get that interview: Ask when you can expect to hear back. It will reinforce to the company that you’re interested and give you more peace of mind.