Hey everyone,
I [28F] need some advice on handling anxiety when job hunting.

Almost a week ago I finished school and I’m once again without work. I’ve been job hunting about 40-50% of my adult life and it has taken a huge toll on my mental health to the point where I’m barely able to apply for jobs anymore. I have gotten a few warnings over the years due to not applying to enough jobs. ( I live in Sweden btw )

I have tried taking breaks.
I have tried waiting for the anxiety to pass.
I have asked so many for advice but it’s like they all give the same default answer. If their advice where enough, I would be a pro at job hunting.

I did get an autism diagnosis a few years back and I do feel better about myself, more confident and understanding of how I work so I think this time around will be different, but it’s like the old anxiety still hangs around and I don’t know how to get rid of it.

Please if you have any advice, I’d love to hear it.

  • @CoffeeTailsOP
    2•1 year ago

    I’ve been told multiple times things like:

    • if there is a tiny misspelling or wrong grammar it would look like I don’t care for the job.
    • the employee knows if the letter is unique, they know by how it’s written.
    • the application must stand out from the crowd, nearly everyone looks identical and uninteresting.

    Side note: For a while, I had a red panda drawn on my cv in a desperate attempt to be unique, I was quite proud and everyone said it was good. A few years later I think it’s ugly af and I even feel a bit of shame for using it. It feels like everyone lied about it looking good.

    I hope the second one will calm down as I get used to being in this system and I know how it will be. I’m having a “start-up” meeting next week.

    • @yenahmik
      3•1 year ago

      I wonder if some of your issue is that you are taking the standard advice beyond what is intended. I’m not sure if this will help or hurt with your anxiety issues, but you might want to look up the Ask a Manager blog. She has lots of great resources around developing a good resume, cover letter, and interview tips. Especially in terms of the examples she provides which could be helpful for you to process how to make yourself stand out in a good way.

      Best of luck with your meeting next week!

      • @CoffeeTailsOP
        2•1 year ago

        I’ve been reading that blog for a few days now and wow, it’s really good. I like how she explains really in depth.
        This blog post really hit me, this is exactly how it has been like all the I’ve been job hunting.

        • @yenahmik
          1•1 year ago

          I’m so glad it’s helping you! Alison (the author of the blog) is an incredible resource.

      • @CoffeeTailsOP
        1•1 year ago

        Yeah probaly, I never know if someone means what they say or if they mean something more/else, wich people often do without realizing. I will take a look at her blog, thanks!