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New Chapter's Fine Wine Specialist Recruiter, Faye Rillstone talks about her career journey and thoughts on current wine recruitment trends.
Winter Blues Impact on your Job Search
Winter Blues Impact on your Job Search
Even though we will soon be leaving behind the gloomy winter season, the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures still seems distant. The shorter days, colder weather, and lack of sunlight can take a toll on our mood and motivation causing the winter blues. This affects various aspects of our lives, especially when trying to keep a positive attitude in your job searches.
If you’ve still not found your dream role or you’re struggling with motivation, this blog is for you. Let’s beat those winter blues!
Winter Blues
The winter blues occur at a specific time of year, typically in the winter months. Symptoms may include fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of sadness or hopelessness.
Impact on Career and Job Search
Decreased Motivation
The winter blues sap motivation and enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay focused on your job search. Repeatedly applying for positions without securing many interviews can already be demoralising. When coupled with the lack of motivation from the winter blues, it can become overwhelming, leading to procrastination in submitting applications.
Slowed Networking
Networking remains a crucial aspect of any job search; however, during the winter months, the desire to socialise and network may wane due to the cold weather and dark evenings.
Lacking Energy
The winter blues often come with feelings of fatigue and low energy levels. This can impact our ability to tackle job search tasks such as updating CVs, writing cover letters, or preparing for interviews. Consequently, this can have a knock-on effect on your success in securing interviews. If you’re not putting as much effort in to showing the interviewer you’re the ideal candidate, they’re less likely to select you for the next stage.
Mental Health Impact
The mental health challenges linked to the winter blues can cause stress and anxiety with career transitions. The pressure to find and secure a new job may feel overwhelming, leading to feelings self-doubt.
Coping Strategies
Outside
Make it a priority to spend as much time outdoors as possible, taking walks to maximise exposure to daylight even during weeks when the sun hasn’t appeared.
Prioritise Self-Care
Caring for your mental and physical well-being is crucial, especially during the winter months. Integrate self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to boost mood and energy levels. Ensure you get all the necessary vitamins through a balanced diet or vitamin supplements.
Reward Yourself
We’re not suggesting that every time you apply for a role, you should book yourself a week-long trip to Greece. However, to maintain motivation, make sure you celebrate those small wins, such as successfully securing an interview. This could mean treating yourself to coffee with a friend, buying yourself a nice lunch, or a dedicated self-care evening.
Set Realistic Goals
Break down larger job search goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals enables you to make progress without feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. For instance, begin by updating your LinkedIn Profile. Next, work on updating the experience section of your CV. After that compile a list of companies of interest, and so on, to break down the dauting search.
Stay Social and Connected
Despite the temptation to hibernate during the winter months, it’s crucial to stay connected to friends, family, and professional contacts. Reach out to mentors, peers, or networking groups for support and encouragement. While you may feel inclined to decline invitations and stay home, spending time with friends can help lift those blues, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Seek Professional Help
If feelings of depression or anxiety persist, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapy or counselling can provide valuable coping strategies and support during challenging times
The winter blues can certainly present challenges for those navigating their job search. However, by understanding how seasonal changes impact our mood and behaviour, and by implementing effective coping strategies, we can alleviate the negative effects and stay on track toward our professional goals.
Remember, you’re not alone in facing these challenges, and with the right support and self-care practices, you can successfully navigate the winter blues and thrive in your career journey.
If you need help finding your next opportunity or just need support in your search, contact us today on info@newchapter.co.uk.
Alternatively, if you just need some specialist advice from experienced FMCG, Consumer and Retail recruiters, we would love to help you out.
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