Between the pressure to land a better career opportunity and the constant rejection, sometimes looking for a job can be even more stressful than actually working one. Those who are unemployed are under even more stress to meet their financial obligations.

If you are someone who is actively on a job search, it may comfort you to know that you are not alone. Feeling stress because of a job search is perfectly normal, and countless people feel that stress every day.

While it may be normal, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. Stress is unpleasant, yes, but it can also affect your pursuit of that next opportunity. Interviewing skills and negotiation are both affected by stress, and could negatively impact your professional demeanor and lower your chances of landing your next career opportunity.

Therefore, it’s very important for job seekers to take a few simple steps to de-stress their efforts, improving their mood and performance.

Write out a financial plan

Often, we are looking for a job because our current financial situation is unsustainable in the long term. Money worries can quickly sap your energy and stress you out. Putting together a basic financial plan can help you put your expenses into perspective and make them less frightening than an abstract black cloud hanging over your head.

To make a plan, start by listing out all of your necessary expenses like rent, mortgage, food and utilities. Then, make a list of your non-essential costs, like transportation and recreation expenditures. Finally, decide which items on your list can be eliminated or done more frugally until you land the opportunity you are currently searching for.

Avoid isolation

Whether you are unemployed or spending your nights after work hunched over your laptop scrolling through job postings, searching for work can be an isolating experience. Getting out and being social not only improves your mental state, it can also lead to networking and even job leads.

Make an effort to connect with your peer group on a regular basis. If you have a small network of friends and family, volunteering or participating in professional organizations can serve the same purpose of avoiding isolation.

Keep developments in perspective

Speaking of keeping a healthy mental attitude, it is important that your stay optimistic, yet realistic in your hunt.

There will be weeks when you get two or three calls for interviews. There will also been weeks when you get two or three rejection emails. It’s important not to get too high during the good weeks and too low during the bad weeks. Both the euphoria and gloom can cause you to stop your search, so it’s important to keep things in perspective and keep looking despite positive or negative developments.

At Cornerstone, we understand that the trials and tribulations of a job search can be quite stressful. Feel free to contact us at any point along your journey for either some assistance with your job search tactics or help finding a new career.