Avoid Job Search Depression
The SMART method helps you achieve your goals by being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. Although searching for jobs is not easy, there can be a time when it becomes so overwhelming that it can make you fall into a depression state.
We want to help you make your job search easy, so let’s explore each component within the SMART process to help you set up your job search goals and avoid falling into a job search depression.
Specific.
It is essential to be specific when searching for jobs, especially if you are searching online. Start by researching the role before jumping into the web and getting overwhelmed with thousands of job listings.
There are several ways recruiters can name a Customer Service position: Client Support Officer, Customer Experience Agent, and Customer Service Agent, to mention a few. Each job title can have some differences in responsibilities and even pay rates.
Being clear on what you are looking for will avoid a lot of stress by reducing the number of listings in your search. You can do the same when searching for specific companies or even staffing agencies to work with.
Measurable:
Once you specify what you are looking for, you need to be able to measure your progress. A measurable goal will help you stay organized, but it will also help you avoid self-judgment.
Dedicate a particular amount of hours a day or a week for you to sit down and focus on your job search. For example, if you are currently working, you can wake up a couple of hours early during the weekends to do your research, make a list, evaluate, and submit your applications. That gives the recruiters time to get back to you throughout the following week.
Dedicating the hours after work to search for jobs does not give you the proper time to rest and decompress before going back to work the next day. You will find a sense of accomplishment during your process by just meeting your daily or weekly plan.
Achievable:
If you set your goal too high, you will get discouraged in the middle of your journey because you are not seeing the progress you want. Not to mention, quitting can negatively affect you and those who depend on you.
Some careers require more time and training than others. Therefore, their attainability will be different. If you are doing a career change and there is nothing on your resume that can help you land the position you want, you will be disappointed.
Achievable does not mean impossible. Ensure that the goal you are setting for yourself is something you can attain within your time frame.
Realistic:
Your goal needs to be something that you can achieve given the available resources and time. Pursue a goal that aligns with your values and objectives, so you don’t have to go against yourself every step.
For example, if spending time with your family is very important, you might want to make sure that the position you are looking for does not require you to travel or stay away.
The career goals you set for yourself have to be something that makes sense for you and your current reality. You will save yourself from a lot of headaches along the way.
Time-Bound:
Setting up a time frame for your goals will motivate you and keep you accountable.
If you haven’t accomplished your goal after the specified time frame, you will have the opportunity to step back and reflect on the process or even reassess the plan and your career path.
Job search depression can happen to anyone in the job market. Being in the job market is not easy, whether you are starting up or looking for a different career opportunity. You might even enjoy the job search journey if you set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goals. But most importantly, it will keep you away from falling into depression.
At Labor Solutions, we offer customized Staffing Solutions tailored to the unique labor needs of people and businesses. We can help you find a position tailored to your needs today. Contact the office nearest to you for more information.