Despite an abundance of vacancies in a lot of sectors, finding a new job can be difficult and time-consuming for some. Applying for a job requires a lot of time and effort, especially when you are still working. Every job application requires preparation and each time you have to sell the best version of yourself. Receiving multiple rejections in a row can quickly lead to application fatigue.
However, it's important to keep going! International recruitment firm Robert Walters therefore offers some tips for dealing with 'job application fatigue'.
What is ‘application fatigue’?
When you decided to look out for a new professional challenge, you probably started applying with full courage. But as soon as you are rejected several times, your spirits may start to sink. Such a disappointment may affect your optimism. You may give up applying for a job simply because you want to avoid another rejection. Or even worse: you do not prepare enough for a job interview. Your self-image may suffer, which will also manifest itself in your other activities. Recognisable? These are things that professionals who have 'application fatigue' have to deal with. Especially those who have been looking for a new job for several months can undoubtedly recognise themselves in this.
Allow yourself to relax
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent job application fatigue. Sufficient relaxation is the first important measure you can take. If you want to apply successfully, it takes effort. Personalising your cover letter, preparing for the interview, doing the necessary research.... it takes time, especially when you are still working and have to do this in your spare time. Relaxing in time is therefore necessary to find new energy. Taking a walk, doing sports or going for a coffee... it's all possible, as long as it clears your head and gives you new energy to give it your all.
Only apply for the right jobs
It is also important to only apply for jobs for which you have the right background. If you don't, not only will you lose a lot of time, but the chances of another disappointment are also much higher. Not sure which positions are best to apply for? Then it may help to first write down for yourself what your interests are and what kind of organisations you would best fit in with. Only then can you look for jobs that match your wishes. Do not send out 15 applications in one day, but calmly look at which vacancies and organisations really appeal to you and limit yourself to these.
Ask for feedback and focus on the future
If you have already been rejected several times, it can be difficult to keep your optimism. You may even feel sad or angry. Allow these emotions too. It is better to let out your frustrations for a while than to bottle everything up. Then you can focus fully on other applications. You can let your emotions run wild for a while, but let it go. The more you focus on the rejections you have already received, the more your disappointment will linger.
What can help you in subsequent job applications is to ask why you were rejected. If you don't get a clear answer to that, feel free to ask for some tips to improve your application technique. For example, did you just not come across as enthusiastic enough, or was it more down to your CV? Listen to the feedback you get, so you can go into your next job interview with more confidence.
Don't tell about previous job applications
Remember well that organisations are not interested in your previous job applications. It is irrelevant and besides, it can leave you with a 'desperate' impression. You have been invited to an interview to talk about your CV and cover letter. The possible future employer wants to find out what appeals to you in the job, what your strengths and work points are and whether you will fit in with the company. How many applications have previously ended in nothing is simply not important to him.
Find motivation
Finally, you can 'boost' your motivation in various ways. For example, do you know someone who is also looking for a new challenge? Then you can keep each other motivated. Can't find anyone right away? There are also many online forums for people who have been applying for a while. Setting concrete goals can help you stay motivated. For example, this could be: 'I want to have sent out 5 application letters by the end of the week, but only to organisations I really want to work for'.
More information
If you're looking for a new job opportunity, take a look at our latest vacancies or contact one of our offices. Download our digital Salary Survey tool and compare your salary with similar profiles in your industry.
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