How to not feel depressed when you can't find a job?

Question

When you are constantly rejected when applying for jobs and you feel like your life is falling apart

DishLady · Accepted Answer

Ok ok. Step 1 BREATHE… Step 2 BREATHE AGAIN… stop panicking… headhunters smell desperation from miles away.

The key to good job hunting, esp when you’re not currently employed, is to compartmentalize your week and your time so you’re not just trolling employment apps and sites 24/7.

FYI, most places post new jobs directly to their sites on Thursday/Friday. So schedule about two hours every Thursday/Friday morning to search for new listings. Save all the links to the jobs you want.

Thursday/Friday afternoon, sort though the keywords from each listing and check your CV/Resume to make sure the keywords appear there (1) bc everyone feeds resumes though a hiring app that sorts and rejects applications missing the keywords; (2) bc hiring managers need to justify hires when your application makes it to the interview level. DON’T LIE OR EXAGGERATE just to make a keyword fit into your resume. If you don’t have that skill, don’t lie about it.

Fine-tune your resumes/CVs and cover letters on Saturday (or if you’re in religious observation Saturday, obvi do it Sunday). You should keep ONE CV with your whole professional history updated always… the Resume is way shorter and specific to a particular type of job. Folks often have one resume for admin work, one for hands-on or clinical work, etc etc.

Monday morning wake up with fresh eyes and post all your new applications, making sure everything is in order. Don’t post MORE INFO than what they’re asking for. Don’t have a long-ass meandering cover letter… etc etc etc.

The rest of the week find a hobby, learn a new skill, hit the gym… and take moments to appreciate yourself… This way when you’re interviewed you’re able to smile and answer questions without feeling depressed, exhausted, etc etc etc.

sage2021 · Accepted Answer

When I was looking for a job, my new job was "Professional Interviewee". I went on so many interviews that were just a waste of my time, my nervous system, my gas, trying to find the place the night before so I wouldn't be late for the interview.
It took 14 months before I finally got hired by an public accounting firm that was pretty well known.

The reason it took me so long to land a job was because where I live, you have to speak Spanish and English. I don't speak Spanish so I wouldn't get the job.

Thank goodness the firm that hired me were all white people! They didn't even have any Mexican clients!! YAY! For once I didn't have to go through the B. S. interviews and waste my everything because I wasn't Mexican. Not everyone is you know?

Keep on at it. Look what I was up against. I started getting an attitude and when they would call to set up an interview, I just asked right then and there if I had to speak Spanish. I quit wasting my time and effort on that B. S.

Purpleronnie · Accepted Answer

I think a great many of us would feel defeated , frustrated and worried in exactly your position and I’m sure a great many can relate , I know I can. After leaving university I spent just under 2 years trying to get a start in a job I wanted ! . It can be soul destroying affecting every area of your life if you let it … and that’s the key I think. Absolutely refuse to take it personally , it’s not , get advice on how you can perhaps come across better in interview or writing a better resume , widen the scope of jobs you typically apply for and always ask for feedback on why you weren’t selected to proceed to interview or being hired because then you have something to improve upon. Volunteer if you can , this will give you transferable skills that you can talk about at interview , employers are generally inpressed but those who would offer their services for free while they look for paid work.. many charities will cover basic expenses too. Talk to people , introduce yourself in places you want to work , call up , send email regardless of whether they are actively hiring and ask what they generally look for experience wise. DONT sit and walk in self pity and being “depressed” as you call it , you are not depressed your just facing some challenges and you WILL get past them and be better for it. GOOD LUCK 🍀👍

Mr_twoface · Accepted Answer

It's normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or anxious during a job search. Many of us have been there and gone through that! Use this time to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Take a class or even online course, webinars, and workshops so you can enhance your resume and personal experience and keep your mind engaged. Reach out to friends, family, and professional contacts. Networking, both in person but also through social media such as Linkedin or TikTok, can open new opportunities and provide emotional support when engaging with users/company employees. Aim for regular physical activity, whether it's a walk, a workout at the gym, or a home exercise routine. So, it can boost your mood and reduce stress. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, hobbies, or meditation. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial.

At the age of 31, I was unemployed for almost 8 months, before I secured my first job. It took me hundreds of job applications until I got what I loved.

In the end, keep a positive mindset. Remind yourself that the right job will come along eventually, and every "no" brings you closer to a "yes."

Finchie40 · Answer

I am dealing with same thing , I was laid off in January and been actively applying to jobs and it’s been an absolute nightmare , I honestly have never experienced anything like this before , and I been depressed and stressed with everything , I can barely pay my bills and money is so tight for me. I feel like my whole life turned upside down , I am so lost and I don’t know what else to do , to help with my stress and depression , I been exercising and keeping myself busy , I devote my mornings to applying to jobs and reaching out to jobs , come 11 am I work out for about an hour and then try to enjoy the rest of my day , with hope that a fucking job will call me , I have a bunch of phone interviews but I realized they don’t mean shit either , I am thinking of selling my home and getting the fuck out of this area and starting over somewhere new , if I can’t land anything soon

teamvic · Answer

Oh that's easy

All this is is just a mindset thing

The way you think about your current predicament

You got two options. Be depressed cause you can't find a job. Or keep pushing and trying to find one

At the end of the day, you got no job

What I'm saying is, why waste your time and energy being sad or being depressed about a situation if it won't fix anything. It won't help you find a job faster or won't make a job apart or out no where

Now if you stay persistent and keep trying. It will make you find one faster

But what do I know

I will say though. Changing your mindset isn't as simple as you'd think

dustybiker2 · Answer

That will affect your job interviews. You have to be your best and most positive, there are too many people all applying for one job these days. I wanted a side job last year just part time, and there were ten-twelve applicants for each position. Crazy. They will pick the most genuine and positive, even over a sour face with lots of experience. So swallow your pride and let them see your best you.

Anonymous · Answer

How can’t people find jobs? People are literally BEGGING for applicants right now like never before. I don’t know how someone can’t get a job doing at least something especially when I see people landing positions they aren’t even qualified for

Makeushiver · Answer

That's a tough one. There are so many job candidates to choose from that most companies use a recruiter. Think ofr everyone you know that may have a LikedIn profile and mention it on there, Indeed. com seems to have plenty of employers. IK I knew what career or job path you are on or would like to be on I could possibly have some mmore personalized tips

Misscouincouin · Answer

With time I realized working is only a part of our existence it doesn’t define us totally. So I get the distress ( I’m studying social sciences so I know how depressed it can feel not being able to find a job) but at the end of the day you can still be an amazing person. Cheers , we were not created only to work but to live 🥰 sure you will find a job just don’t stress over it that’s what I do 😉

SunnyRS · Answer

I won't say that it doesn't feel depressing cause it does and I have been there, but nothing comes at losing yourself at that time, I just kept on trying, going to interviews, handing out resumes, it might sound lame to some but for survival you do what needs to be done.

nawtee_me · Answer

Your life is not falling apart it is falling into place.
Look at it this way. Hold an empty water bottle in each hand and then grab a full bottle and open it to drink from. The point is you can not take hold to something new if you are still holding onto the past….. maybe you need to look for a different kind of job….

bobalife · Answer

It is difficult and disappointing, but just keep going - you’ll eventually find something :) just know it’s always competitive but it doesn’t make you any less. Maybe try out a job agency to help you get interviews and networking easier :)

provokeesmokee · Answer

Constant rejection is the norm for job apps. Eat some comfort food, give yourself a small dopamine break, take a walk. Then, keep sending in apps. Expect nothing and you avoid disappointment.

BetaBucks · Answer

Exercise. It gives us the sense of accomplishment and progress, when the rest of our lives seem stagnant. Seeing your body get in better shape, and feeling healthier, means more than working a lame job for a paycheck.

HusamRocks · Answer

Dw u will find one, we all went through this, just remember looking depressed lowers ur chances so take deep breaths and have faith and apply for every job vacancy u can find
Keep trying
Good luck 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

DannyUk2017 · Answer

Have a Cigarette & a Coffee, that what gets me through the "job hunting"... when "i'm down" i have a couple of these and then i dust myself off, get up... and Try Again! 🤷‍♂️

LisaS · Answer

I wish I could offer advice, but I really can't. It's a horrible feeling. I just wish you the very best of luck possible.

HawkPerception · Answer

Start looking at starting your own business. It's really easy to make money if you're not afraid to put yourself out there a little.

ProbablyClueless · Answer

Embrace the suck and keep putting one foot in front of the other.  If you keep moving, things will eventually get better.

Booklover_90 · Answer

If you haven’t already, upload your resume to job boards (i. e. Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc). That’s how I got my current job. I know it’s hard, but don’t give up. 🙏🏽❤️

Anonymous · Answer

volunteer for non-profits and you won't feel depressed, and you'll meet people who can hook you up with better jobs than you could find on your own

Reichsadler · Answer

Be patient. I know it's hard to tell but, you should keep seeking out a job with patience and hope. If you really seek out a job that you want with hope and patience, you will find it.

RingOfFire · Answer

Think about the taxes you won't have to pay!

Gabriel-Chicanito · Answer

Go to the County Office ( Social Services ). All that is "help", fer the unemployed.

Anonymous · Answer

There are a billion jobs out there  Are you holding out for a 100k salary?

fantasticass · Answer

Have you thought about becoming self employed?

WhitneySnow · Answer

Can you talk to a career counselor?

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Go get a marketable skill.

Anonymous · Answer

Being self-employed

How to not feel depressed when you can't find a job?

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