MENTAL HEALTH IN JOB HUNTING

First off, you need to understand what’s wearing you down. Constant rejection? No feedback? Feeling like the perfect job just doesn’t exist?

These are common stressors in the job search game. It’s easy for them to get stuck in your head. But knowing what’s causing your stress is half the battle. Be aware, and you can tackle it head-on before it sends you into full-blown burnout.

Spoiler alert: You’re going to face rejection, and probably more than once. (It’s even happened to me a time or 10. Shocking, I know.)

The key here is resilience. It’s not about if you’ll get knocked down, but how fast you get back up when you do.

Think of rejection as a learning opportunity to sharpen your skills and improve your applications. Every setback is a chance to refine your approach – and build the kind of grit that employers respect.

So, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back out there! Your dream job awaits.

Job hunting isn’t just about updating your resume and spamming LinkedIn. It’s also about taking care of your mental wellbeing.

So incorporate mindfulness techniques to help deal with the stress. Whether that’s deep breathing, guided meditation, taking a walk to clear your head or spending $80 at YoChi, the key is to stay present and avoid spiralling into anxiety.

Friends, family or mental health professionals can help with that. So reach out if you need a hand!

Burnout comes from the endless cycle of applying and stressing out. Break it.

Create a job search routine that includes self-care. Set specific hours to job hunt, then stop. Spend your off-time doing things you love – exercise, hobbies, hanging out with friends, YoChi again…

It might sound counter-intuitive, but your brain needs that break. Trust me, your productivity will skyrocket when you’re not staking out Seek and Indeed 24/7.

Job hunting doesn’t need to be a solo sport. Get support when you need it.

Talk to your friends, family or mentors about how you’re feeling. Monash University also has mental health resources you can tap into if things get too overwhelming.

Whether it’s a chat with a counsellor or an online support group, getting help is a strength, not a weakness.

There’s nothing better than a good vent sesh. And with a plethora of Monash Marketing alumni who have been in the exact same shoes as yours, you have plenty of people to vent to.

Trust me, they get it. In fact, here’s what some Monash alumni have to say about staying mentally healthy during their job search:

‘The job search can be overwhelming, but remember, every no is one step closer to the right yes.’ – The Best Marketing Graduate Ever.

‘It’s easy to get discouraged, but I learnt that pacing myself and taking breaks made all the difference.’ – The Other Best Marketing Graduate Ever.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, remember: people who were once in your shoes got through it. And you can too.