This is how I got rid of my job application stress

Do you often experience a job application process as stressful? Then this article is for you! Did you know that your mindset while applying for a job has a big impact on the outcome? In this article Vera Gruijters, online marketer at SkillsTown, talks about her experiences during a period of applying for a job and how her mindset influenced this.

The first step

Many people did learn how to write a good cover letter or what clothes to wear to a job interview. However, no one talks about how your mindset can hold back your job application process. Vera explains, "My first job application process was after I finished my communications degree. My attitude was, 'I want to get started as soon as possible, so I send as many emails as I can.' As I didn't make any progress for a long time, I became frustrated. With each rejection, my motivation dropped. Soon I discovered that it was my mindset that was working against me. An application process is supposed to be fun, right? Unfortunately, it wasn't. That's why I decided to approach it differently."

"My mindset was working against me. An application process is supposed to be fun, right?"

Creating tranquility

Vera continues, "To relieve some stress, I decided to go for a job in the sales industry. That way I at least had an income until I found a job I was more excited about. Plus, I was naturally gaining some work experience beforehand. I soon noticed that this gave me more peace of mind. I was no longer standing still and was still developing myself. Meanwhile, I was able to continue applying for jobs, but I did so with a different approach: I became more selective in the companies I applied to, and more precise in the emails and motivations I sent along. I no longer experienced the application process as stressful."

Positive mindset

Vera: "Because I was more selective in the organizations and positions I applied to, I also became more enthusiastic. And it is definitely true that your interviewer senses this very well! Soon I received positive feedback as a result and was invited to second and even third interviews.

Of course, I am still human and tension will always affect me. But by accepting my tension and transforming my negative thoughts into positive ones, its intensity decreases. It is important to remember that you cannot do more than be yourself during a job interview. Be honest, sincere and interested. If you don't get it, at least you know you've shown yourself. It is what it is."

A familiar scent helps calm you down. For example, spray some of your partner's perfume on your wrist.

Counteract tension

Of course, changing your mindset is not done in 1, 2, 3. It requires practice. But there are other ways to prepare yourself for an interview and relieve yourself of some of the tension:

• Get there on time so you can do some relaxation exercises before stepping in. Take several deep breaths into your abdomen. Also, if you find that you become short of breath during the interview, try to bring your breathing back to your belly.
• Did you also know that a positive facial expression reduces stress on your body? So put on a broad smile before entering the conversation. A familiar scent also helps calm you down. For example, spray some of your partner's perfume on your wrist and smell it for a while.
• Do you notice that your nerves are starting to affect the conversation anyway? Then name it by saying, for example, "I notice I'm rattling a little because of nerves. That's because I really want this job!" This way you break through the nerves and no longer have to ignore them.

The result

Vera says, "I really believe that my positive attitude and making sure my body relaxed made the big difference. Applying for a job became more fun, easier and more rewarding. And so you see... now I work at the best online training company in the Netherlands and can enthusiastically share my success story with you!"

Do you also see yourself working at SkillsTown? Then you're in luck! We are looking for new colleagues. Take a look at our vacancies.

Working on your interview skills?

Would you like more tools to work on your job application skills? Or would you like to work on your positive attitude? Get to know more than 500 online training courses in the field of professional and personal development. Think for example of the webinar 'Successful job application' or 'Positive psychology'. Try them 14 days for free. 

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