The school year can be a stressful time for everyone. For some of us, we are starting our first year at DePaul in a fashion no one could have predicted. Some of us have had to adjust the way or days function and flow and implement new strategies to be successful where ones we learned in the past are no longer applicable. Some of us are finishing up our time at DePaul and looking ahead to the future, to what comes next. Many of us are looking for jobs. A job hunt can be quite stressful and for many may add to the uncertainty that is life right now. Regardless of the job you are looking for, the process of finding a new job can cause some stress and uncertainty in your life. From finding jobs that are a good fit for you to filling out applications, doing job interviews, updating your resume, networking, the list goes on, it can be a long and trying process. Luckily however, there are some really amazing resources right at your fingertips that can help you navigate the job search process. The career center is a fantastic resource that can help you work through your resume, give you tips on curating the best application, succeeding in job interviews and so much more. The Office of Health Promotion and Wellness is partnering with the Career Center to bring you some ideas for coping and mitigating the immediate stressors and anxieties that a job search may bring. We invite you to think about some of these ideas and try some of these strategies as you work through the job hunt!

 

 

• Take it one step at a time: Finding a job is a process, not a singular event. While it’s good to think about what you want in the future, thinking too far ahead can become overwhelming. Breaking the job hunt down into smaller, more easily achievable goals can help relieve stress and allow you to maintain your energy throughout the process. 

• The job search is not an overnight process: Chances are, you won’t be able to find, apply and get a job in one day. It’s important to keep this in mind and allow yourself to step away from the job hunt. Constantly staring at a screen and looking through job listings can be extremely draining. Taking a break can help revitalize you and give you the boost you need to not just go through the process but to do it well.

• Don’t just go through the motions: While it may be tempting to apply for all and any job openings, this can actually do more harm than good. While applying to jobs using for example the “quick apply” function on Linkedin, one might feel productive that many applications were sent out, however an important thing to remember is that job searching is about quality not quantity. Instead, making a list of no more than 10 workplaces you really would love to be at, researching, and then focusing all the attention on jobs you are naturally passionate and excited about can yield better results. Treat the job search process as you would finding a date. While one can certainly decide to date anyone encountered, the success of the date is more probable when you generally are interested in learning about the other person, the same goes with job searching, research places you want to work not just any place that offers a job. 

• Remember you may not hear back from everywhere you apply to: Unfortunately, realistically there will be times where you submit an application and will not hear back. This is completely normal and not personal at all. Some employers simply have many applicants and cannot realistically let them know if they were not selected for an interview or the position. However do not be discouraged, if you find that you cannot secure a job by applying directly using an application always try to reach out to campus recruiters or others who may help get your application past the first round and move into the interview process.

• Know your strengths: Applications give a general view of who you are, but there are many ways to secure a job. Networking is a great skill to practice, but the most important aspect is to know what you are good at and showcase it. It may be a bit awkward at first and feel as if you are bragging, but remember that you are letting future employers know you are a great addition to their team and can bring something only you can. Highlighting your skills on your resume is great along with your elevator pitches.  

• Prepare ahead of time:  It is crucial you research ahead of time. Nervousness and anxiety often come from the stress and fear of not knowing what to say or how to respond to a question. Being knowledge will only serve in your benefit by letting employers know you are excited about their job opening and also help you relax and not be stressed over not knowing the answer. Common things you can do to prepare are to research the mission, culture and goals of the employer, read the job description, have ready to ask questions about the industry or job that are not easy to google, and finally have a resume on hand or your elevator pitch ready. 

• Don’t stress over stress: The job hunt can be a challenging process. If you are feeling stressed, you’re not alone! It’s completely normal to feel stress and not all stress is a bad thing. Simply do not let the stress immobilize you, determine where the stress is starting from and then think of ways you can tranquilize it. Remember at the end of the day, the people interviewing you and reading your applications were once in your shoes simply looking for a job to jumpstart their career. Take a deep breath and know you will do great and learn from the experience. 

 

 

For those that have secured an interview, the amount of stress and type of stress can be different. Similarly however many of the tips can still work.

 

 

• Relax. Interviews are conversations: Many times interviews are seen as scary and nerve-wracking. However, it is important to remember that those interviewing were once in your shoes and understand being nervous is normal. After all, being nervous shows that you truly want the position, if you are not nervous then do you really want the job? This is a great way to normalize the nerves you have. Also remember that interviews are not one sided, this is also your chance to ask questions and learn if you feel this position fits your personality goals and ambitions. You are equally assessing whether you want to work alongside your interviewers. 

• Prepare what you can control ahead of time: Many times people stress over having the perfect answer to questions asked. While it is great to have general answers to questions, always remember the perfect answer does not exist. If you find yourself stressed over what you cannot control, including surprise questions, focus on what you can. For example, knowing the employer, the culture and goals, the job description and key skills that will make you favorable, as well as any questions you can ask that are not easy to google the answer to. Also prepare your outfit, your device and internet connection, your background if the interview is virtual. These are all things you can prepare beforehand that are within your control. 

• Be comfortable being uncomfortable: While sometimes silence can be seen as a sign of something going wrong, it is important to remember that silence can be good. Your interviewers likely see many applicants and simply want to take notes to remember when later on deciding who gets a job offer. Let the silence sit. It can be tempting to fill it by over-explaining your answers, while it is normal to try and fill in the gap, try and simply wait until a question is posed. Remember always, that you were given an interview because you are qualified, now just add personality to your skills and expertise. 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you still have any questions or need help do not hesitate to contact the Career Center. And if you need any help regarding how to handle stress feel free to contact the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness. We are always here for you!

 

Phone: 773-325-7129

Email: hpw@depaul.edu

Social Media: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @healthydepaul

 

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– Written by Peter Wild Crea & Cindy Hernandez