Distractions When Looking for a Job: 7 Ways to Usefully Procrastinate

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Taking a break while looking for a job doesn't necessarily mean wasted time. These seven activities will not only help you get distracted, but also get a job faster.

We all know this feeling. You're looking for a job and you're about to reward yourself with 20 minutes on Snapchat or Pokémon GO for every resume you submit. But these 20 minutes turn into 2 hours, and now, before you even blink an eye, the day is over, and you have responded to only one vacancy. Sadly. And why is it only so hard to organize time?

But when done right, procrastination can help you find a job. When you get together for the fifth time in an hour (not that you count, of course) to check your social media accounts, use one of these seven tips.

1. Determine your personality type

Are you an administrator (ISTJ) or maybe an activist (ENFP)? The famous will give the answer to this question. Knowing your type can help you better identify your strengths and weaknesses, and find an activity that's right for you. In addition, 89 out of 100 Fortune companies use this test to select promising candidates, so you can prepare ahead of time.

I think it's very important to know your strengths. You need to understand what you like to do, what are your interests and talents, what you would like to change in yourself. In addition, it is very important to remember that it is introspection that will help you choose the environment in which you will feel best.

Smiley Poswolsky writer

2. Clean up the workplace

According to research by McMains S., Kastner S. scientists, clutter interferes with concentration and reduces the brain's ability to process information efficiently. It is possible that it is the chaos in your room or at your desk that distracts you from your productive job search. Take 30 minutes to clean up. The effect will surprise you.

3. Tidy up your social media profiles

84% of recruiting professionals admitted. that they review candidates' social media profiles before sending out an interview invitation. What exactly the employer will see by going to your page depends only on you.

It's important to remember that your posts are a reflection of your personality and your interests. If you only have photos from parties on your page, then the employer will perceive you accordingly.

Smiley Poswolski

So, even if your profile is purely personal, try to remember and delete all non-professional photos and messages. Does the page seem blank now? Demonstrate interests related to the desired position. Start by listing all the courses you've taken, professional skills and work experience, certifications, and events and workshops you've attended.

4. Meditate

Finding a job is often stressful, sometimes all you want to do at the end of the day is to pull out your hair. Yoga, meditation, or even just taking deep breaths for two minutes a day can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Meditation is a wonderful habit to develop when you are young. It will not only help you clear your mind and maintain your composure while looking for a job, but it will also come in handy in your future career.

Anita Bruzzese journalist

5. Get rid of repetitions

Do you overuse clichés in your resume but miss important details? Maybe it's time to reconsider tactics? Copy your cover letters and messages in replays to see which words you use the most.

6. Compare your successes and failures

Record three recent job search successes (for example, you were successful in an interview) and three recent failures (for example, you were refused). What have you noticed? Is there a general trend?

Think of it as research. If you get rejected all the time, it's worth considering. Perhaps you do not have the necessary skills, which means it is worth trying to acquire them in workshops or courses.

Smiley Poswolski

7. Watch TED talks

For example, blogger Tim Urban talk about procrastination. Maybe it will change your views on this phenomenon and force you not to be distracted from your job search.