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Combatting job hunting stress
Pattie Hunt Sinacole discusses job search tactics, as well as exploring the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Apprenticeship program
Q: I have been job hunting for months and I am mentally exhausted. I have been applying to almost every job I see on the job boards. I am not sure else where I should go regarding job leads and possible openings. My nerves are frayed. Anxiety is my standard mode now. I am thinking about considering a new path, where I can work with my hands.
A: Job hunting can fray nerves. It is a stressful and unpredictable process.
I have to make a few assumptions. I am assuming you are in the Boston area, or at a minimum live in Massachusetts or a neighboring region (e.g., New Hampshire or Rhode Island).
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There are a number of factors, both positive and negative, which impact the job market in the Boston area. The job market in Massachusetts, at least for 2025, is forecasted to be a mixed bag.
In mid-May, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts released job data that was somewhat promising, including more residents participating in the labor force. However, the unemployment rate is also creeping up a bit, while the number of projected job opportunities is sliding. Healthcare and technology companies are still expected to hire in 2025, though I expect it to be slower than in the recent past.
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Also in mid-May, the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Lauren Jones, shared that “There are over 125,00 job openings in Massachusetts.” Also in early 2025, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued a report on apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are training programs which are linked to employment opportunities. In the first-ever Apprentice Jobs Report, progress is tracked across the Commonwealth. While over 850 types of roles are part of the program, some examples include carpenters, laborers, police officers, fire fighters, and correctional officers. Many of these roles are “working with your hands” types of roles. Visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-apprentice-standards for more information.
I expect we will see growth in temporary and/or contract roles. Sometimes economic uncertainty translates into an increase in demand for temporary employees, as it gives employers more flexibility.
What can you do?
- Don’t spend endless time behind your computer. Job hunters still have success in landing new roles through personal and professional contacts. Meet a friend for coffee, connect with a former manager, or catch up with a neighbor.
- Tailor your resume to the role. Switch around the order of your skills. If the first bullet of a job description states that this opportunity requires at least 10 years of experience in health care, change your summary at the top of your resume. “IT professional with 12 years of experience in health care.” Don’t make the reader look for it. Make it easy for a recruiter or the hiring manager.
- Balance your job hunt with healthy habits. Take a walk at lunch time. Meditate. Pat your dog. Job hunting is challenging. Be kind to yourself. Conversely, your new job is looking for a job on a full-time basis. It is important to not to spend a lot of time cleaning out your shed, shopping for new clothes or detailing your car.
Stay positive, which I realize is easier said than done. Employers can sometimes pick up on negativity and hiring professionals don’t want to pursue negative candidates.
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