For those of you actively looking for an internship or a job right now, you likely know that the job market is really tough. On average, folks spend 4-6 months looking for a role and a variety of factors are making it harder for young employees to find opportunities.
While you’re searching, it’s also important that you focus on self-care. It’s easy to get burned, overwhelmed, and frustrated while searching for opportunities, researching roles, applying, and waiting to hear back.
Tips
- Focus on next steps: To prevent overwhelm, take it piece by piece and focus on the next small thing you need to accomplish rather than the whole process
- Be gentle with yourself: Whether your juggling a job search and school, are preparing to graduate, or are looking for work after graduation, you’re going through a transition in life and you deserve kindness during this process.
- Stay organized: Use our application tracker to keep an eye on what you want to apply for and what you have applied for, or use an other organization method that works for you.
- Stay connected: keep in touch with mentors, colleagues, friends, and professors who can help support you in your job search – with networking, advice, and emotional support. Leaning on close friends and family for support and for breaks away from the process is vital as well!
- Pay attention to your body: Some describe the job search process like a job itself. Recognize how you’re using your energy and make sure to rest, stay hydrated, move, and engage in healthy stress relief.
For more information and support, visit our job search self-care resource and our self-care plan worksheet.
