Business Insider offers tips from experts in the job search field (including Spark Hire’s own CEO Josh Tolan) for job seekers to avoid burning out in their job search.

In order to avoid stress, it’s important to find outlets to shift your focus every once in awhile. Find a hobby, take a spin/yoga/kickboxing class, just hang out with friends. If you need to take a vacation even. Pull yourself out of the job search for a couple hours each day, and even one or two days a week.

In order to maximize your efficiency, and slow the burnout, close tabs. What I mean by that is only open postings that look interesting to you, and if you don’t immediately feel it’s the right job, close it. Keeping open 20 tabs at once can be overwhelming and may make you apply to less jobs overall. Instead, just focus on the absolute best, three to five at a time, and apply to those in succession rather than all at once.

Get out there and be different. Don’t just apply to job postings, volunteer, network, signup for a staffing agency. Be different and let jobs come to you. There’s an old idea in dating that you’re most attractive when you’re attached. That’s because you’re relaxed and your best self. Alleviate stress and be that best in your job search and you’ll instantly become a more attractive candidate.

The job search can be a stressful time for job seekers–both those who already hold jobs and those who are looking full-time. Instead follow the tips we’ve shared to alleviate stress and avoid a great job search burnout. It won’t just help your health, it’ll reinvigorate and refocus your job search, giving you a better chance at success.

We’d love to hear some of your job search stress busters, so feel free to share with us in the comments section below.

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The infographic, from Glassdoor, shows some startling figures for the rise in mobile technology for job seekers, and even greater expectations for the future. Three-in-five job seekers today have used their cell phones to search for jobs in the past year. That number is expected to jump to over four-in-five within the next five years. That’s a big chunk of job seekers turning to technology in their job search.

If you’re unconvinced of the trend, consider that almost 20% of job seekers feel that mobile devices way to search for jobs. Utilization of mobile technology as a job search tool is on the rise, and may become increasingly more critical for job seekers looking to get a leg up in a fast-paced and dynamic business world.

The infographic also shows some ways mobile technology can help your interview process. According to the data, 43% of job seekers look at the job description on their cell phone before their interview. Job seekers also visit the company website, read news about the company, and read company reviews on their cell phones as part of their immediate pre-interview prep.

Mobile technology can also be utilized to interview and post resumes. Spark Hire job seekers can record profile videos and conduct job interviews–along with searching for jobs–on the mobile app.

Your cell phone may just be your best bet in your job search. Finding ways to effectively use mobile technology to search for, and educate yourself on, potential new jobs will make an engaging candidate for companies, and give you the flexibility to be ready for anything. Plus, it’s likely your next great tool is already in the palm of your hand.

Do you use your mobile device in your job search? Weigh in below!

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Having a change of heart post-college is not the worst thing in the world. You may be surprised to find out there are many transferable skills from one field of study to another. So even if you majored in history you can still get a job as a grant writer. When applying to a job outside of your major, remember there are skills that apply across majors. These skills include:

Analytical:

Defined as the ability to visualize, articulate, and solve both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts, and make decisions that are based on available information, this skillset requires logical thinking to gather and analyze information.

Think back to the oral presentations you gave in college. In order to be successful, you relied on your ability to articulate an answer to a question and present it in a palatable way to your fellow classmates.

Social Intelligence:

To grasp social intelligence means to effectively navigate and negotiate complex social relationships and environments. Think back to group projects you were a part of in college. How did you delegate responsibilities? How did you manage group members who weren’t carrying their weight? Every major has group projects and every project provides an invaluable skillset.

Active Listening:

Active listening was a desired trait in 9 out of the 10 most in-demand jobs in 2012. To be a pro at active listening you need to give your full attention to what others are saying and take time formulate a thoughtful response. Chances are you’ve had practice doing this if you’ve ever worked in a group or watched a student give a presentation and had a post-presentation discussion.

What you majored in is not as important as how you can apply the skills you learned to the job you want. Consider these three skillsets and how you embody them, the next time you apply for a job.

What do you think are the most important skills a job seeker should have? Let us know in the comments below!

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You put the work in, made it to the final interview, and presented the best version of you. Despite all that, you were not chosen for the position and must move on. Now give yourself a day to sulk and after that, move on. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 3 ways to move on after a job rejection.

#3 Follow the 24 hour rule.

You have exactly 24 hours to feel bad for yourself. After that, you must radiate positivity. Don’t forget, you were brave enough to go on an interview and that counts for something. Write down the top 3 reasons it’s great to be you. You are worth it!

#2 Continue networking.

Like we said in our last Moving On post, you should not put all your job eggs in one basket. A job rejection will hurt less if you’ve got other opportunities lined up. Never stop job searching until you have a written contract. Instead, make time for weekly networking events where you can meet top influencers in your field.

#1 Learn from your mistakes.

Each job interview is another opportunity to perfect your pitch. After 24 hours, you can begin assessing your interview performance. What are the questions you struggled with? What do you wish you had said? You will get another chance to interview, and when you do you should be prepared to present an even better version of you.

How about you? What do you do to bounce back after a job rejection? Let us know below!

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Coffee shop:

Meeting an interviewer at a coffee shop has a blind date feel to it. It is especially important for these interviews, to do your research. Google the interviewer’s name to find a photo of them. You’ll still have to do some crowd searching but you’ll hopefully have to approach less strangers.

If you arrive early, buy a drink, something simple without chocolate chips, and find a seat facing out. Be prepared to stand up and approach your interviewer as they enter the shop.

If the interviewer arrives before you, greet them and take a seat. If you must get a drink, assess the line and determine if it’s worth waiting in. If you’re exactly on time to the interview, skip the drink and line and jump right into the interview.

Coworking Space:

Similar to a coffee shop but cooler. Interviewing at a coworking space means understanding startup company culture and going with the flow.

Many coworking spaces are located in areas off the beaten path, so make sure you have a thorough grasp of the area and/or a great directions app.

Companies and individuals who work out of coworking spaces are very serious about their time since they are paying to rent the space. Hold off on small talk, unless initiated by coworking members.

Restaurant:

The regular rules of office interviews apply but the biggest difference is food. Make sure you order conservatively. Choose a meal that is moderately priced and one that is easy to cut and no mess. Other than that, don’t over think it.
Brush up on your dining etiquette avoid drinking alcohol. If your interviewer orders a drink, you may order one glass, but stop there. It’s still an interview and you want to remain as clear and focused as you would on the job.

If a potential employer takes you out to eat for an interview, they are expecting to pick up the tab. Be sure to say thank you and reiterate your thanks in a follow-up thank you note.

If you ever find yourself interviewing outside of an office setting, consider these tips on how to proceed!

Have you ever interviewed somewhere odd? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Erik Sherman at Inc.com says yes. He argues that in light of the current state of the economy, the slow growth in job availability, and the potential for being laid off, it makes more sense to be your own boss and start your own business. And perhaps this is true. The control over day-to-day tasks, your hours, the company financials, and other important pieces of the company give you the flexibility to respond to the changing economy in any way you want. But is this an illusion of security or real job security? What other securities might you find as a small business owner or employee?

One reason a startup or small business may be a safer option is because of the relationship that develops among employees relative to those in a larger corporation. As often heard before, a small business owner and his employees can feel more like family than coworkers. Would this make it more difficult to let someone go? Would this help you keep your job even if the company took a downward dive? You could likely count on more loyalty to employees—even to families of employees—in the event that the company fails to do as well as expected.

The very nature of a small business might offer more stability by making an employee highly qualified in a number of fields. At a larger company, an employee might wait years for a promotion and only complete tasks very specific to their job everyday instead of varying their experience by being a jack-of-all-trades. The ability to wear many hats makes an employee indispensible to a small business and could help them move upward quickly. It will give them a competitive edge that helps keep their career path secure.

Other research shows, as Sherman cites, that small businesses are the real job makers in America. In 2009, “if you factored out young companies, the net number of jobs decreased. “ When small businesses succeed, they need a lot of help to keep up with their growth. This can also offer job stability.

Sherman says that with all the moving variables of a job with a large company, he feels his future is more secure if he sets out on his own. Maybe this depends on the stage of life you’re in or the current path of your career, but the thought is an interesting one. While we have traditionally associated startups and small businesses with the small enterprise ma and pa shops or the adventuresome, nothing-to-lose attitude of entrepreneurs, maybe it’s time for that mindset to change. Sure, there’s risk involved in the small business choice—but isn’t there always in business?

Would you consider taking the startup career path? Let us know and comment below!

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5. Turn off all social media.

Not only can social media be terrible for morale (something you’ll need a lot of in your job hunt) but it’s also a major distraction. With notifications popping up every second, the temptation to check the latest tweet or status update is great. Your time spent job hunting should be for just that. If you don’t trust yourself to stay away, several apps have been created to block online distractions and help you get work done.

4. Stop checking your email.

Checking your email is a similar distraction to social media, but it’s easier to justify an email check. Still, your work emails can wait twenty minutes to be opened while you job search. For Mac users, there are several apps that allow you to quiet the noise and focus on what matters to you most, finding a job.

3. Set a timer and goals.

Before you begin job searching, it’s important to have a plan of attack. Write down 1 small goal each day and what you hope to accomplish at the end of the week, end of the month. When you break your goals into tiny manageable actions, you’ll be inspired to keep persevering.

Before beginning a task, set a timer and don’t stop job searching until that timer goes off. Be reasonable and start off in small increments of 10-20 minutes a day for online jobs and 1-2 networking events a week.

2. Create a tracking document.

Once you begin job searching, you’ll find there’s a lot to keep track of. To help you remember where you applied, what date you applied, the company point of contact, etc. create a spreadsheet with all your info. Referencing this spreadsheet will allow you to avoid making small mistakes, like sending multiple applications to the same company.

1. Reward yourself.

Set a reward for yourself at the beginning of your job search. If you’ve accomplished your daily, weekly, or monthly goals, give yourself a well-earned treat. This will help you stay motivated through the emotional roller coaster that is job hunting.

Staying focused during a job hunt can be incredibly difficult. But if you make goals, stick to them, and quiet all the other noise, you’ll eventually see results.

What’s your best trick for staying on task during your job hunt? Let us know in the comments below!

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As many recent, not yet employed college graduates, head home for the now undefined summer as new job seekers a common misconception springs up amongst their peers, family, and the rest of society. Mainly: they think millennial job seekers are lazy. Sleeps all day, play video games, eat mom’s food, go to the bar with friends, crash, and do it all again the next day.

The meme referenced earlier pretty much sums up that picture is a neat series of a guy sleeping. That millennial job seeker, on the other hand, sees his job search differently. He sees himself knee deep in a job search that seems to be going nowhere, despite the job seekers best intentions to keep pushing forward–filling out resume after resume each hour of the day. The hope being that employers will see this heroic effort, and the muscle, brains, and courage to be their next targeted candidate.

The reality of the daily life of a millennial job seeker likely falls somewhere in between the numerous perceptions of daily life. Most millennials aren’t sleeping all day, but in truth few are waking up at the crack of dawn, or even at the same time as their working peers, to hit the job search trail. Being a yet-to-be-employed millennial isn’t a lot of fun. Sure a couple months with the rents, if you’re lucky enough to be able to live at home post-college, might not be so bad. But with friends moving on it can begin to feel like you’re stuck in a rut. That old guy grabbing ice cream on a Friday night you used to pity in high school. The hair pulling picture may be the most accurate.

A day in the life of a millennial job seeker probably involves a lot of job searching, a lot of stress, and, alright, some sleeping. Just remember, perception isn’t always reality, even in the job search and especially with millennial job seekers.

What are your days like as a job seeker? Comment below!

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Boast about your strengths.

The Great Gatsby is a lot about exuberance, but it’s also about creativity and craftiness. Gatsby’s true skill is his ability to recognize opportunity and be crafty in his approach. So ok it’s bootlegging, but it’s still making use of his best assets.

Shift the focus to what you can do in the future.

Once Daisy decided to marry her wealthy counterpart, Gatsby dedicated himself to gaining wealth of his own, moving the focus away from his impoverished past. His determination to do better (a loose term in The Great Gatsby) in the future fuels Gatsby’s fire to re-shift the focus of his ‘resume.’

Don’t dwell on the past.

Jay Gatsby didn’t spend the entire novel rehashing his past of poverty to narrator Nick Carraway, he moved on. Eventually, a job you held, a decision you made, etc… will just be a thing of the past–with distance between you. If you can stop focusing on the past, stop being afraid of it, you’ll help craft your own narrative going forward.

I would by no means advocate taking a Great Gatsby approach to your job search. In 2013, Jay Gatsby’s resume would likely cause some high eyebrow arches–that is if he managed to avoid legal issues (and death). Regardless, the way in which Gatsby turns the tables for himself does offer a couple of lessons for how to craft your resume, hiding a couple not so bright spots.

What do you think? Are there valuable job search takeaways from The Great Gatsby? Comment below!

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5. Take it one day at a time.

Unless your potential employers cannot schedule interviews on a different day, make sure you give yourself a little time to decompress between interviews. The shy job seeker may be overwhelmed by multiple interviews, even video interviews, in one day. Scheduling one job will help alleviate some of that anxiety.

4. Be prepared.

Nothing is worse for the shy or introverted than not knowing the answer and being forced to scramble. For an already timid person, the unexpected can be overwheling. Therefore it’s crucial you do your homework before having an in-person or video interview.

3. Dress to impress.

Being shy can give you enough anxiety in interviews as it is without having to worry about your attire. Make sure all your clothes are well tailored and fitting, and that you have dry-cleaned any suits or dress shirts ahead of time so you look crisp and prepared. Feeling confident in your clothes can help you feel more confident and extroverted in your interview.

2. Embrace the video interview.

Video interviews allow introverted and shy job seekers the chance to conduct their portion of the interview in their own comfort zone. A video interview also requires you to focus your attention on the interview itself, without leaving as much room for job seekers to look around the room, et… Video interviews are a great way to gain confidence in your interviewing skills without the anxiousness that accompanies having to meet everyone in the office, getting lost, being late, etc…

1. Just relax.

It seems like hokey advice, but often just loosening up and relaxing a bit can help shy and introverted job seekers interview better.

Being shy doesn’t have to be a huge impediment in interviews and video interviews. Instead, harness your shy personality into politeness, not silence. Video interviews can be an excellent step for shy and introverted job seekers looking to gain confidence in their interview skills. Check out Spark Hire’s information on video interviews to find out more.

Do you have any good advice for passive job seekers? Comment below!

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