How to look after your wellbeing whilst job hunting with Working Well: Support to Succeed

Getting a job can be a stressful experience, whether it’s the first job you’re applying for, you’re coming back to work after time away, or you just want to find a new role. Looking after your wellbeing during this time is important to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Here are some tips to look after your wellbeing during the process of getting a new job:

Set a routine

Applying for jobs can be time-consuming and easily take over a large chunk of your life so try to set a routine with searching and applying for jobs so you can have proper breaks from it. If you treat looking for a job as a “job” itself, it can help you to keep healthier boundaries while also preparing you for the routine a job would give you.

Prep for the interview

When you’re at the interview stage, prepare as best you can by researching the company you’re applying to and finding out their vision and values. You can also look at example questions for the role you’re applying for to make the interview as stress-free as possible.

For more information on Job Interviews and how to prepare for them, try our handy guide. 

Acknowledge your achievements – treat yourself kindly

After each stage of the job process, acknowledge what you’ve achieved. Applying for jobs often takes a lot of time and effort and you don’t always hear back from the employer to acknowledge this. Therefore, take the time to appreciate the work you have put in and keep going.

Embrace rejection as part of the process

Many people are also looking for work at the same time as you, and as part of looking for work, you’re likely to hear “no” a lot. Make sure you don’t internalise this rejection or take it personally – remember to contextualise it with the knowledge that many other people are also applying for the role. Keep your motivation up, and eventually you will hear that “yes”!

Training

Although it might be tempting to only spend time applying for jobs, completing some training may benefit both your application and wellbeing. Learning new skills can improve mental wellbeing and provide a confidence boost, as well as improving your skillset.

Check out our course finder here.

Keep doing the things you enjoy

Applying for jobs when you’re unemployed/unhappy in your current role can be draining and have a negative impact on mental health. It’s important to keep doing the things you enjoy such as hobbies, exercising, and seeing family/friends.

If you’re looking for a job, you can check out our job search page here.

Working Well: Support to Succeed is a free programme that helps Greater Manchester residents to overcome their barriers. If you’d like some employment support or to see what else the programme offers, check out Working Well: Support to Succeed here. (eligibility criteria applies).