With many vacancies now listed online, a job search can mean hours of scrolling on your phone and filling in forms on your laptop – and that can impact your mental health. But it is possible to give your wellbeing a boost whilst you look for work.
All you need is a little exercise and fresh air.
As part of National Walking Month, here are our tip tips to get your job search moving.
Keep your job search mobile
From writing your CV and filling in application forms to having a virtual interview, every stage of the job search can be done digitally. But that doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside while you look.
Grab your phone or laptop and take a walk to find somewhere quiet, like a park or café. It’s a great way to shortlist roles, tweak your cover letter or submit an application, all whilst breathing in fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature.
And with many job sites using quick apply options, you can submit your CV with a single click whilst you’re still on the go.
Stay social with small talk
Not all vacancies are online. Some jobs may appear in shop windows or on notice boards, especially in the hospitality and retail sectors. Take a walk along the high street, visit your community centre, or use word of mouth to let people know you’re searching for work.
And instead of popping your CV in the post or an email, why not walk to the workplace and hand it in? Human contact is an important way to protect your mental health. It also shows an employer you’re keen.
For online-only applications, you can still get active in your job search. Take a wander to get an idea of how long the commute would be or to find any nearby walks you could take on your lunchbreak.
It’s also a great way to prepare for an interview. Practicing your route to the building (and finding out exactly where the main door is!) can help to reduce stress on the day.
Job search on the go
Plug in your headphones and listen to a podcast on interview tips, insights into a particular industry or ways to write a CV that stands out. This can all be achieved without staring at a screen.
It’s a simple step you can complete:
- On your way back from the school run
- When you’re taking your dog for a walk
- Or whilst you’re on the move cleaning the house.
Listening on the go will also help you manage your job search priorities. It will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired when you start your next application.
Be kind to your mental health
Job searches are often slowed by setbacks and obstacles. Whether it’s a tricky application question or a lack of suitable roles to shortlist, when frustration floods in, it is time to take a break.
Go for a walk during these moments as it will give your eyes a rest. Something as simple as walking around the house can help generate ideas.
Or even better, give yourself half an hour where you don’t think about your job search at all. Go for a walk with a friend, listen to music or just take in the sounds around you.
Let’s make your job search move
Bring fresh air and exercise to your job search. It is a simple way to feel healthier, reduce stress and give your mental health a boost. It can also help you manage time efficiently, particularly when you have other priorities to juggle.
We are here to provide job search support at every stage and to help you do well at work once you find employment.
Take a look at our support and find out how we get your career moving.
