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Staying level-headed: How to keep a clear focus when job searching

If you’re currently in search of a new job, you might have noticed it can be a job in itself. After all, many steps are involved—you need to scour the internet for open positions, review job descriptions, tailor your cover letter and resume for the positions to which you’d like to apply, then fill in and submit applications. And that’s before any interview prep you need to do. It can be overwhelming!

Five Ways to Keep Your Head in the Job Search Game

Getting stressed out is no way to handle the important task of job hunting—so you’ll need to follow a few key steps to keep a level head. Just follow these five tips from a leading provider of jobs in Nashville, Franklin, Gallatin, Lebanon, and Murfreesboro, TN—Wood Personnel Services:

Carve out a Few Fours Every Day

Just like a 9-5 job, your job search requires some uninterrupted time to do it right. Set aside a few hours during your most productive time of the day (for some, it’s morning, while others get an energy burst in the evening—just choose the time that works best for you!). During this time, make a plan to take care of tasks, such as searching for openings, responding to emails, or working on your resume.

Minimize Distractions

Your phone, inbox, pets, children, Netflix, social media… all of these things can divert your attention from the task at hand. Find a quiet place where you can be alone for a few hours to concentrate. Leave your phone in another room if you feel you’ll be tempted to grab it. Turn off the TV. Tell your family you need to take a little time to work. If the best place for peace and quiet is outside your home (maybe at a library or local coffee shop)—go there.

Take Breaks

No one can, or should, work non-stop without a pause. If you need to, work for an hour then break for 30 minutes, then work for another hour. Or, if it works best for you, power through all your dedicated job search time and then take a break. But whatever you do, make sure breaks are part of the schedule.

Be Kind to Yourself

You’re taking on a mission that’s not for the faint of heart, so be sure to take good care of yourself during your job search. Eat well, exercise, and take some “me time.” Job searches can be draining, but try to stay positive and do things to build your self-esteem. You will find a new job at the end of all your hard work.

Power Down for the Day

After you’ve put in your time, just put your search on pause until tomorrow. This means refraining from checking email, searching the internet, and everything else that’s involved in job hunting. Your mind will need this time to rest and get ready for your next day of work in search of your next job!

Need Assistance with Your Job Search?

You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed despite these tips, it can help to work with a recruiter. Your recruiter will act as a job coach, helping you prepare to dazzle potential employers. Plus, he or she will connect you with jobs for which you’re perfectly qualified.

Check out Wood Personnel Services

We’ll work with you to understand your career needs and find a job that fits. To learn more, contact us today to speak with a recruiter.

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