5 Ways to Manage the Stress of Job Searching as an Introvert

Job hunting isn’t a process that most people love. Why? It can be very stressful. When you are an introvert, it can feel even more daunting and upsetting. When you don’t enjoy speaking with a lot of people, going on multiple interviews with strangers doesn’t seem like a good time. But there is hope. Here are five simple ways to manage your stress while going on the job hunt:

1. Thoroughly prepare. 

One of the best ways for an introvert to ace an interview and cut down on stress is to prepare. You should video record yourself answering mock interview questions and spend time curating your answers to the questions. This will help you appear more confident and consistent when speaking during the interview. 

2. Take a deep breath.

When you are about to conquer a challenge, obstacle, or stressful activity, taking a deep breath really helps. 

“Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. Those things that happen when you are stressed, such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, all decrease as you breathe deeply to relax,” according to HealthLinkBC. This is a very simple trick that will help feel more relaxed and ready to have a great interview.   

3. Do your homework.  

If you really want to reduce the stress of job hunting, it is extremely helpful to apply for jobs that are best suited for your personality and background. Check out the 11 ideal jobs for introverts. Additionally, doing your homework on the company and work culture will give you additional context to help choose employers that will make you feel comfortable during the job search process. 

4. Focus on the conversation, not the outcome.

Too many job applicants make the mistake of spending time focusing on what happens after the interview instead of staying present in the moment, increasing feelings of anxiety and considerations of "what does this person think of me?" You don’t know what the future has in store for you. Yet, you have the ability to do the following: 

• Make good eye contact

• Confidently shake hands with the interviewer(s)

• Speak clearly and confidently

• Utilize storytelling to showcase your experience and skill set

• Actively listen to your interviewer(s)

• Fully answer the questions asked during the interview

• Send a thank you note after the interview

5. Create personal affirmations and mantras.

Are you a fan of affirmations or mantras? If not, you should totally explore phrases that you can say to yourself that help you feel confident, calm and excited for every interview on the horizon. Each interview you have is an opportunity to have a good conversation where you demonstrate your dynamic background and career. 

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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

Natasha Nurse is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and content creator. She started Dressing Room 8 to provide a web-based resource where women can gain personal and professional empowerment through her fashion and lifestyle focused blog. Dressing Room 8 helps women learn how to think with clarity, dress with confidence, and live with purpose. She is the Lifestyle Editor for Plus Model Magazine and she co-hosts a podcast with her husband called WokeNFree. Follow Natasha on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Don’t forget to join her Dressing Room 8 and WokeNFree groups on FGB. 

What’s your no. 1 piece of advice for managing job search stress? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss members!