Ep. 086: How to Manage Job Search Stress, with Alison Cardy

A job search can be an emotional rollercoaster. The process of sending out resumes, getting excited about opportunities, prepping for interviews, and waiting for feedback can be stressful. And, if you don’t get the job you want, it can be a painful blow to your ego.

This week’s guest expert, Alison Cardy, argues that job search stress stems from a couple basic dynamics:

1. Putting deadlines on things we cannot control. Job seekers have limited influence on the speed of the hiring process, so setting arbitrary expectations that you’ll find a job in two weeks--or even two months--is a recipe for future upset.
2. Internalizing rejection. Failure is the norm in the job search process; you need to be able to accept rejection without taking it personally. Don’t let one bad interview, define who you are and the value you can bring to an organization.
3. Putting all our eggs in one basket. Don’t focus all your attention on a single interview or opportunity. Continue your job search activities so that you have fallback options.

Alison urges job seekers to maintain perspective and stay in reality. Remember who you really are and what you are capable of doing. You should also make sure you’re not investing all of your time and energy into a job search. It’s important to take care of your whole self so that you remain resilient during this difficult period of your life.

This Week’s Guest: Alison Cardy

Alison Cardy is the Founder and CEO of Cardy Career Coaching. Her international team guides people through career changes. Alison’s firm focuses on that crucial step before your job search begins: Helping you figure out what it is you want to do with your life. She’s also the author of Career Grease: How to Get Unstuck and Pivot Your Career. If you are having trouble which direction you should focus your job search, Alison’s book is a great resource.

This Week’s resource

Ben shares a post from ThoughtCatalog: 27 People Reveal The Most Ridiculously Crazy Things They Have Said At Their Job Interviews. This is a list of funny and creative answers people have given before they have been offered a job.

This Week’s Listener Question

This week, Kristin Schuchman, career coach at A Portland Career, joined the Mac’s List team as a fill-in guest host. Kristin, Ben, and Mac answer Stephen’s question: “How do I explain to an employer I am interested in a job I am overqualified for?”

Stay up-to-date with the Find Your Dream Job podcast. Here’s how:

• Get an answer to your job-related question on the air! Email your question to jessica@macslist.org, or call her at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive either a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere, or a Mac’s List Coffee Mug, your choice.
• Share a job resource you think everyone should know about. Email ben@macslist.org, and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

If you like the show, please rate and review our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!

Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices