If you are looking for a new job and have been waiting for a long time without being called for an interview, it can feel like you are stuck in a torturous air-conditioned hell, making you want to quit your current job but unable to due to financial burdens. This situation can be quite frustrating, but we want to remind you to stay calm.

Professor Art Markman, a psychologist, offers guidance on how to handle this challenging period of job searching, which can take some time. The insights he shares come from his book titled 'Bring Your Brain to Work.' Let’s see what advice he has for us.

Hypothesize About the Problem

First, the professor suggests that the reason you haven't been called for an interview yet could be due to various factors. Therefore, you should try to hypothesize about the situation. For example, the company may have already hired someone, or there may be a lot of competition for the position you applied for. On the bright side, they might still be considering you.

Ultimately, before applying to any new company, you should carefully consider whether you have made any mistakes in your application. If you are unsure, it might be helpful to ask a skilled friend to review your job application. Sometimes, you might miss showcasing your standout skills or unique qualifications, such as specialized skills or a third language.

If you do get called for an interview but it’s for a position different from the one you applied for, try to use your existing skills during the interview. Anticipate potential questions and think about how you would respond. If you feel unprepared, seek out someone with experience to help you practice your interview skills and reduce anxiety.

Is the Job Position Too Broad?

As mentioned earlier, if you have submitted your job application but the company hasn’t called you for an interview yet, it’s reasonable to assume that there may be many applicants for the position, and the company might have found a better candidate (which is quite disheartening).

Therefore, Professor Markman recommends that you assess whether the position you applied for is too broad, as this could increase your chances and hope while waiting.

However, sometimes we may become overly anxious about job applications, leading to a dislike for the job search process. Stay calm; when you are in a situation where you need to find a new job, don’t let your emotions take over. The professor suggests that you can always learn new roles and responsibilities. Importantly, no one is forcing you into a job. If you like the job you applied for and the company accepts you, that’s great news. But if you don’t like it, remember that no one is compelling you to take the job except yourself.

Stay Motivated in Your Search

Following up on the previous point, if you still haven’t found a new job and have already left your old one, the professor advises against living a gloomy life without a future. For instance, don’t just stay home playing video games all day, as this will negatively affect your mental health.

Instead, the professor recommends living an active life as before. Focus on your job search by actively searching for opportunities or meeting people who might help you. Volunteering in various activities using your skills can also be a way to showcase your abilities and indirectly apply for jobs. Additionally, it’s essential not to sever ties with your former colleagues, as they can be valuable connections to maintain.

Support from Those Around You

Finally, don’t let the stress of job searching overwhelm you by comparing yourself to others. It’s beneficial to find a close friend or someone you trust to act as a sounding board for your feelings and to share your situation. At the very least, you’ll have someone who understands your goals and can provide encouragement as you work towards them. Remember, you are not a burden to those around you; instead, recognize that you have value and can still help others.

Importantly, when you finally land the job you desire, don’t forget to thank those who supported you during your moments of doubt and despair. Having these people in your life is a valuable treasure that you should cherish just as much as the job you love.

We wish everyone searching for a new job the best of luck in achieving their goals.

Additional Note: There’s a quote from the professor that suggests applying for jobs can boost your confidence when you eventually get hired. However, looking at it humorously, we probably wouldn’t want to boost our confidence this way too often!

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/90354990/how-to-cope-with-a-long-job-search

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