Nicolle Mejia Molina
August 01, 2024
Newsletter ArticleEmbarking on a job search is much like Riley’s journey in “Inside Out.” As Riley grew older and faced new responsibilities, she went through an emotional roller coaster with Joy, Sadness, Anger and Anxiety steering the control center of her mind. Similarly, job seekers looking for their next career move can feel many of the same emotions. One minute, you are optimistic and hopeful that you will be called in to interview for the job position you applied for. The next minute, you might feel sad handling a rejection or anxious waiting to hear back from an employer. These reactions, while stressful at times, are completely normal and necessary in guiding you through this tough process.
This article is going to uncover how Joy, Sadness, Anger and Anxiety are typical emotions that job seekers face during the job search process. Like Joy said in the movie, you can’t bottle your emotions up. Experiencing and accepting each emotion will help you cruise through this process knowing nothing can break you, but instead make you stronger and better placed to secure your dream job.
Joy:
You’re looking through hundreds of job listings, and you stumble across your dream job. At that moment, Joy takes the wheel, fuelling your optimism and encouraging you to envision a bright future where you’re thriving in a role that aligns with your passion. This emotion is probably the most important of all because it sets you up for success from the beginning of your job search journey. However, some people’s minds are controlled by other emotions, so here are a few tips to wake up the joy you have in your head.
Each step we take, whether we win or lose at it, brings us one step closer to our goals and dreams. The job search journey is challenging, so you must celebrate small milestones like writing a great resume and cover letter or getting your desired job interview. Similarly, you must celebrate things like a rejection email. It sounds like a random thing to do, but it's a milestone because you were determined and took the time to apply, and although it didn't work out, it left you a lesson from which you will learn.
Implementing positive self-affirmations into your daily routine can help you focus on achieving all your goals and keep you motivated. Although negative thoughts are normal, we can’t let them control our minds and stop us from achieving the best version of ourselves. To overpower these thoughts, tell yourself, “I can do this,” “I am successful,” or “I am capable of facing any challenges that come my way.” Practicing these affirmations day-to-day will help you have a positive mindset and boost your confidence.
Networking is super important when it comes to landing your dream job. Meeting professionals in the industry can increase your visibility and expand your job opportunities, but it also allows you to connect and give each other advice based on shared experiences. Now that you know this, sign up for webinars or career fairs, as these are great for meeting mentors, exchanging ideas, and unlocking doors to success.
Sadness:
Looking for work is already stressful, and unfortunately, sometimes things don't go our way. When you are not selected for an interview after spending hours working on your resume and applying to a hundred different jobs, Sadness destroys all of Joy's optimistic plans. You might think the problem is you, but that's not true. This is a very normal facet of the job search process that almost everyone will experience. Remember that rejection isn't a measure of your worth, so acknowledging and understanding Sadness can turn these moments of despair into opportunities for reflection and improvement.
Tips for Navigating Sadness:
Getting a job rejection doesn't always imply that you didn't have the qualifications to be successful in the role; there are many other factors that employers take into consideration. That is why asking for constructive feedback will help you understand where you fell short and how to show your strengths in your future job search process.
Every rejection is a chance to broaden your understanding and improve. When dealing with the feedback provided, consider what areas may need refining. This could be anything from writing a good cover letter to improving your interview skills or getting more qualifications. Consider supplementary training or workshops that best relate to your career aspirations. This strategy will show that you want to better yourself, thus increasing your chances of standing out against other candidates competing for the same position.
Resilience is the capacity to recover from difficulties, an essential ability in the job-search process. Each rejection is discouraging, but resilience ensures that you will keep going and stay upbeat throughout the entire process. Implement a positive perspective and look at your long-term objectives. Create a list of all your goals and check them off once completed.
Anger:
In the whirlwind of emotions accompanying a job search, anger often takes center stage, especially when faced with the frustration of waiting for responses or dealing with rejection. In Pixar's animation "Inside Out," Anger usually appears whenever things do not work as planned. Job seekers feel anger because days often turn into weeks with lots of anticipation and no message regarding their application status. This feeling is incredibly typical and can even be positive when redirected accurately. Instead of allowing oneself to be overwhelmed with anger, it is always wise to control this intense feeling and remain motivated during that phase.
Tips for Navigating Anger:
Mindfulness techniques can help you manage anger. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are some of the practices that can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and even improve our health. Incorporating them into your daily routine creates a safety net from the extreme emotions you might experience while searching for jobs.
Your job search frustrations don't have to be faced alone. Talking about your experiences with friends, family, or a mentor can give you different perspectives and create a supportive circle. Many times, anger can be soothed and made more manageable simply by talking about it. Moreover, you could get practical suggestions, motivation, and other advice from your circle of friends.
Take the time to reflect on your career goals and the types of positions you're applying for. It might be worth reassessing your strategy if you are frustrated with the lack of responses. Are you applying for roles that genuinely match your skills and experiences? Adjusting your job search criteria or exploring different industries might open up new opportunities and reduce the frustration of repeated rejections.
Anxiety:
In Inside Out, Fear is a vigilant guard that never slumbers or sleeps as it is watchful to possible threats. Feelings of anxiousness usually characterize this emotion during job search processes, more so in an interview preparation phase. There can be an ever-looming worry of wanting to impress, give accurate answers and show that you are worth the job. When everything seems ambiguous, Fear may come up in questioning one's readiness, qualifications or capability to make it. Nevertheless, embracing such Anxiety transforms fear into a strength.
Getting ready for a job interview is one of the best methods to deal with interview anxiety. This not only builds confidence but also reduces the apprehension associated with job interviews. Therefore, begin by investigating common questions for your industry and position. After doing this, write down your answers and say them out loud; the more times you do this, the more self-assured you will be in an actual interview.
Negative thoughts enhance anxiety and strip your mind of confidence. Use positive self-affirmations. Before going for an interview, remind yourself about your strengths, accomplishments, and what makes you different from others so that you are essentially accepting your identity and potential.
Just knowing your answers does not give you the feeling of being prepared. If you have an in-person interview, make sure that you plan the route to where it will be held and allow for some extra time on account of possible delays. If it is a virtual interview, ensure that your technology is functioning well and that the background looks neat and professional.
Like Riley in "Inside Out," navigating the job search process means experiencing a full spectrum of emotions. Embrace Joy to stay motivated, allow Sadness to help you process setbacks, use Anger to fuel your determination, and manage Fear with preparation. By understanding and managing these emotions, you'll survive and thrive through the job search journey.
To explore more career advice, visit our Career Success Library.
