Lucky for you, you are not alone in these fears. A study showed that about 45% of people are concerned that their resume doesn’t hold up against other candidates, while two out of five just feel plain old overwhelmed by even the thought of a job search.
If you are feeling less confident and want to explore new opportunities, there are some things to consider that might help ease some anxiety, or atleast give you a boost of confidence to get the ball rolling.
Our Top Tips for Handling Job Change Fear:
- Make Goals
- Identify skills and strengths
- Avoid Assumptions
- Seek Support
- Do Your Research
1. Make *realistic* goals
The key to overcoming any kind of fear is to focus on what’s driving your motivation to change jobs! Consider writing out a list of all the positive outcomes that you are searching for and what you are looking to get out of changing roles. Not only will this let you look at the exciting possibilities, but it will put into perspective the risk versus reward.
2. Identify your skills and strengths
Know what you are good at, and use it! Try not to sell yourself short and spend some time learning how to talk up your skills and strengths. Sometimes the hardest part is finding the right words to explain just how valuable you are.
3. Avoid Assumptions
Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. Try not to assume the worst when it comes to new situations, when in fact they may be better. It’s also a good point to ask questions that you are curious about. If you are wanting to work from home but they don’t specifically mention that on a job ad, it can’t hurt to ask.
4. Seek Support
If the job search seems too overwhelming, reach out to your friends and family for support. By turning to the ones you love, you can get some much-needed reassurance to ease your anxieties. It may also be worth speaking to people who have been through the process recently about what worked for them - especially if they are in your industry. This can give you an idea about what to expect and they may have useful contacts.
5. Do Research
The best way to find out what to expect from a company is to do some digging. Look through online reviews about what other employees have said about the company culture and role. By doing your research, you can abolish some fears about the uncertainty of a company and give yourself the confidence to get excited!
Being nervous, overwhelmed or anxious during a job search is completely normal, and something that lots of people experience. By looking after your mental health and giving yourself the tools to take on new experiences with confidence, you’ll give yourself the best opportunity to achieve your goals.