Grateful to have had job interviews this week but I'm getting overwhelmed and exhausted by the continual preparation and mentally starting over each time.

Anonymous

August 27,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

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Grateful to have had job interviews this week but I'm getting overwhelmed and exhausted by the continual preparation and mentally starting over each time.

Before each interview, I take the time to research the company, its mission and review social and industry news.

I feel like I'm giving so much to the process and it's not translating into offers.

After each interview, my confidence is taking a hit as at the beginning, I was excited and now I'm finding myself tying not to get my hopes up while doing my best during the process and then continuing on to the next opportunity.

In the back of my head, those little devil / angel characters keep my mind reeling. As soon as I try to sleep my mind won't turn off as I watch my bank account savings dwindle and companies sharing they won't be taking the next steps for months.

I've tried journaling, meditation, walks and talking with friends but I can tell they are sick of hearing about the process. My family doesn't want to know anymore until I have an offer. I'm excited to share when I have an interview as that's the only way you're going to get a job but there's been too many close calls only to lose out in an internal candidate etc.

Any tips to stay motivated and if there are any free therapy numbers? Now more than ever, I could use a therapist but since I don't have insurance, I can't afford to do so. I'm still struggling to overcome the aftershocks of surviving the toxic work environment, the job's abrupt ending to now starting to feel worthless with each rejection, I could use therapy so I'm not bothering my family and friends.

Sorry for the long vent but I want to work and I've even looked into temporary work without success. I was told by a temp job that they liked my experience but on the flip side, they knew that due to my senior background, they knew the hiring manager wouldn't bring me in worried that I would leave after receiving a full-time offer.

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JJAugust 27,2022 at 3:38PM UTC
Been there. Do what you can and try to let the rest go. Being stressed out and exhausted in an interview because you prepped for it for five days will not help you land a job.
AnonymousAugust 28,2022 at 2:51PM UTC
Thank you, JJ. I do spend a lot of time prepping but make sure the day of to only review my notes and relax before the interview. That being said, the exhaustion I feel afterwards leaves me curled up on the coach both mentally and physically fatigued. The on-going Google or Zoom meetings with multiple interviewers is taking a toll on my eyes and I feel that I'm straining them in both constantly job searching on online interviewing.
It's one thing if it led to a job but the ghosting is real! I don't know how companies can allow candidates to get to final rounds only to never even close out the position? I don't expect to get every role but not knowing if you're still in the running during months of interviews is exhausting. It's very difficult to switch off your brain and I find it more relaxing if I can keep doing something towards finding a job.
JJSeptember 3,2022 at 3:07AM UTC
I am so sorry. The whole system is a nightmare! Best of luck!
AnonymousAugust 27,2022 at 9:02PM UTC
Pace yourself and give yourself time to recover for every series of jobs you apply for
AnonymousAugust 28,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
Thank you Anonymous. I try to give myself a break each day for exercise and getting outside. On weekends, I try to limit my job searching and make the most of Tuesday-Friday as Tuesday is a big social media hiring and posting day. Mondays seem to be hit or miss but I use them mostly for follow up and interviews.
My concern is that it takes so many rounds that I want to make sure to at least be in the running for other positions. In addition, I used to work in larger cities and although the position is still posted, they've capped their initial search after X number of applicants. You can do all the form work to apply but then never even be considered for the position. That's why I make sure to at least canvas what's posted each day in order to apply if needed. Thank you for the best wishes!
AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 1:22PM UTC
Have you ever heard the phrase, finding a job is a job?
And I'm sorry, but your post really sounds a bit whiny.
You are getting called for interviews, but it is too much work? Too stressful?
Try counting your blessings....
AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 9:39PM UTC
I'm grateful for the interviews but positions are being put on hold after months of rounds. I'm willing to put in the work and continue to do so every day. I don't rest on having interviews but continue to reach out to contacts, find new ones and have informational meetings. It's been such a long process that I was feeling frustrated. When you're putting in the effort every day and watching your savings dwindle away, at times it gets overwhelming. Sorry for the rant but I was feeling very frustrated after a position I had 4 rounds of interviews for was cancelled after being told to expect an offer on Friday.
Lara Ivey KauchakAugust 29,2022 at 6:58PM UTC
First- congratulations on getting interviews! That's great! And it is a full time job to land your next job. Its a lot of work. Keep prepping - you are doing the right things and it will work out.
AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 9:30PM UTC
Thank you, Lara. I appreciate the best wishes!