How to Handle Stress While Looking for a Job
Knowing how to handle stress while looking for a job will help you appear more professional during the employment search. You will display the confidence of someone who is prepared for the job interview, which will give you an edge over applicants who appear nervous or unsure of themselves. This outward appearance is in addition to the physical and mental benefits derived from controlling stress. You can make several changes to handle stress, such as adjusting your diet, lifestyle and physical activity, along with streamlining the job-search process.
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Instructions
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Update your resume with recent projects and accomplishments. Get assistance, if necessary, so your resume looks professional. You will feel less stress knowing that your resume represents your most-recent qualifications and experience in a clear manner.
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Assemble the necessary paperwork to take to job interviews, such as extra resumes, college degrees, professional certifications and the required identification for the human resources department. If you plan in advance and are organized, you'll be better able to handle stress while looking for a job--you will display the inner confidence of a well-prepared candidate and be more outgoing during the job interview.
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Streamline the job-search process. Many jobs are not advertised, so compile a list of career centers, employment agencies, major employers in the vicinity, smaller employers within your area of expertise and upcoming job fairs. Circulate your resume with as many employers as possible. Streamlining the search process will help lessen stress, because you will conduct the process in an organized manner rather than a haphazard one.
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Maintain a professional appearance. The traditional advice when searching for a job is to "dress the part." Potential employers start judging an applicant as he is still approaching, before he ever says a word. You will feel less stress knowing that you look your best and can make that first impression a positive one.
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Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will help you handle stress by providing the necessary nourishment for optimal performance of mind and body.
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Exercise every day. Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, dancing, swimming and many other sports. Regular exercise reduces mental stress as it tones the body.
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Make the necessary lifestyle changes to keep finances under control. List every expense you have, and then try to find a way cut the budget. People who have control of their finances will be better able to handle stress while looking for a job.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider crossover opportunities where knowledge and experience in one profession can be transferred to a related field. For example, an unemployed journalist might be hired by the community college to teach beginning writers the skills they will need to succeed in the profession.
