How To Keep Your Peace When Job Hunting Becomes Stressful
When I decided I wanted to leave my first job out of college, looking for a new job was so intimidating and stressful. I was working over 40 hours a week (including weekends), and studying for the GRE so my time was extremely limited. When I got home from work all I wanted to do was take my ass to sleep. Because I desperately needed and wanted to switch careers, I knew that I needed to make time to look for a new job. But honestly after working your butt off for one job, and putting in hundreds of applications and cover letters so that you can get a new job, you are tired. Really tired ain't even the word, and that's exactly how I felt.
The journey in finding a new job (or really any job) can be depressing, stressful, and hectic. Despite the notation that Millennials love job-hopping, I will admit, I'm not that type of Millennial. Searching for jobs makes me feel angry, annoyed, sad, excited, hopeful, and stressed all in one (and that's way too many emotions to deal with at once).
During our job hunt journey, it's easy to forget about ourselves and our well-being. We are too busy violently typing away cover letters and updating our LinkedIn that we forget about important things like an adequate amount of sleep, taking care of our bodies, and our eyebrows. Yes, your appearance (including your eyebrows) are very important. Just a few weeks ago I was overwhelmed with life and my eyebrows took an ugly turn for the worst. My eyebrow threading lady looked at me with pity when I came to see her and finally with her magic my eyebrows were fleeky again. Moral of the story #1: Never be too stressed to forget about your brows or you will be looking like I was looking.
Unless you are just lucky or the whole world is itching to hire you, job hunting can be a process, but by incorporating these 7 tips below, it will help you find (and keep) your peace.
1. Create a schedule
During your chaotic job hunt, you may be working a full-time job, have a family, and you may even have a side hustle. On top of that, you probably hate your job (which is why you are job searching). When we dislike our jobs, it makes us very anxious and we are likely to try to use every waking moment to apply for jobs. During this moment of applying for jobs in between our free time, we are rushing ourselves to complete the application and cover letter. When we rush to submit an app or cover letter, it is a good chance that we will mess up on something. When I was job searching and rushing to submit applications, I accidentally addressed a few cover letters to the wrong company. Of course I didn't get hired or even called in for an interview and I don't blame the company either.
Before you start submitting applications, analyze your current priorities and identify the days and times that you can dedicate to job searching. Once you find that time, schedule it on your calendar so that you don't forget.
2. Download the LinkedIn Job Search app
If you have been following my articles by now or know me on social media, you will know that I am an advocate for LinkedIn. To me, LinkedIn is the plug and the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time). Besides the million of benefits that exist for having a LinkedIn account, one of my favorites is the LinkedIn Job Search App. This app allows you to search for jobs, message recruiters, see how many people have applied to a job, save jobs, and get notifications before a job expires. On top of that, you can even apply for jobs directly using the app and your current LinkedIn profile if the company has that feature through LinkedIn. If you find a job that you are interested in through the app, you will be able to apply for it using your phone or other mobile device. Imagine that! When I was job searching, I personally used the LinkedIn Job Search app to apply for jobs when I was on the go and didn't have access to my computer. This feature is easy to use and is very user-friendly.
3. Get enough sleep
If you don't get a healthy amount of sleep when you are job searching, you may not be able to put your all into updating your resume or writing cover letters. When you decide that you will start job searching, look at your schedule and as aforementioned schedule your time to job search and submit applications. Once you have scheduled that, schedule your sleep time and make sure you schedule to get enough hours to rest your mind and body. If you can not manage to get a full 8 hours of sleep, I do recommend getting at least 5-6 hours of sleep every night.
Related: How Being Team No Sleep Can Actually Shorten Your Life
4. Find a hobby (or continue an old one)
The thing that I love most about hobbies is that they have a huge potential to keep our mind away from the things that worry and stresses us out the most. Whether that's working out, reading, cooking, or writing, find your hobby and make time to indulge in it. It is important and healthy that we partake in things that make us happy. Trust me, having this source of happiness will be crucial when you are stressed out from job searching.
5. Spend time with friends and enjoy a mimosa (or two)
It's nothing like a good brunch with friends. Brunchin' with your girls is a great time for good conversation, delicious food, and even better mimosas. If you have a pretty dope girl squad, hanging out with them should keep you sane and relaxed during those moments when life tries to knock you down. For me, spending time with friends always makes me feel better and when you pair it with a mimosa (or a few cocktails or martinis) things just become better. Since you are job searching and probably don't have a lot of time, schedule the brunch (or girl time) so that's it's either bi-weekly or monthly and doesn't take up too much of your free time.
6. Talk to your "friendtors"
We all know about mentors, but our friendtors don't get enough credit. Friendtors are friends that also serve as mentors in your life. You should be able to talk to them whenever you need advice. With most friendtors, they have achieved a certain level of success or maturity so reaching out to them for advice or to vent always leads to a much needed talk for you. During your tough moments in job searching, your friendtors will be perfect to critique your resume, cover letter, and social profiles. Also, they can help you as you practice interview questions and can give you the motivation that you need to shine in the interview.
7. Surround yourself with positivity
I truly believe that our surroundings affect our mood. When I'm at work, I love to listen to a variety of music. My favorites are anything by Beyoncé, old school classics like Frankie Beverly & Maze, Earth Wind & Fire, and Bobby Womack. On top of all of that, I have to admit that I'm a sucker for trap music. However, as much as I love my trap music, sometimes I catch myself in the wrong spirit when I listen to it.
During your job search journey, surround yourself with positivity. Listen to music that will keep you in good spirits, and tune into inspirational podcasts. Surround yourself with inspirational quotes on a daily basis or read devotionals to keep you motivated. My favorite devotionals that I love are The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations, Daily Wisdom for Women 2016 Devotional, From God's Word to a Woman's Heart: A Devotional, and Power Thoughts Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations for Winning the Battle of the Mind.
What are some ways that you keep your peace and stay sane when job hunting gets rough?
Drop a comment below and let us know!
P.S. Get more career tips and tricks by visiting our xo Business section!
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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