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I have the tendency to overthink and overanalyze every aspect of my job search. How can I overcome overthinking and make more confident decisions?

Elaine Varelas shares tips and insights on how to make decisions more effectively during your job search.

Ask the Job Doc. Boston.com

September 19, 2024

2 minutes to read

Q. I am currently searching for a job and am a person who always overanalyzes everything. I tend to get “stuck” and can’t get out of my own way. I always dwell on thoughts such as, if I take this job, what if the other job is better? I am not “quick on my feet” in interviews and become paralyzed by working on what the right answer is. How can I change my thinking so I can make decisions as I job hunt?

A. Identifying the challenges you face in the job search process is the first step to figuring out how to work through these issues. You may be dealing with issues a therapist can help with, and issues designed for a career coach. Job seekers dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder are best served by working with an ADD coach who works with adults to help them develop strategies and coping mechanisms to overcome over analyzing life’s decisions. Having the support of both experts is your best bet to move forward successfully. According to Resume Genius, 72% of job seekers report that job hunting has negatively impacted their mental health.

The reasons people work with a career consultant or career coach include feeling “stuck” at work, wanting to make a career change, having no clue what they want to do next and feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of exploring career options and conducting a job search. These challenges all require the ability to make a decision. Many people have what is casually called “analysis paralysis”. Ruth Shuman, a career consultant in private practice, is able to identify job seekers who are in this state by the overuse of the words “what if?” What if I accept this position but there is a better job out there. What if I ask someone for an informational interview and they decline my request. What if I can’t give the right answer to this interview question? What if my boss overlooks me for a promotion and someone more junior gets the job?

Shuman suggests that these job seekers who have characteristics of being perfectionists and over achievers, let go of their dependence on decision trees. The adage “If you wait for things to be perfect, the world will pass you by” and creativity and productivity become lost. You might find yourself getting anxious and spend more time worrying than being proactive and making gains towards your career and life goals. Shuman encourages her clients to understand “We spend too much time working not to love what we do. “

Resources available to address over analyzing:

https://www.takethe12.org/inside-the-mind-of-an-overthinker/; https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/analysis-paralysis.

Professionals advise “schedule time to worry” by giving yourself 20 minutes a day to worry and then move on.” Don’t take on “what ifs” when they are not your decisions to make. With the right support like getting an outside perspective by talking to trusted individuals, setting small goals, and reframing your thinking, so that you can overcome overthinking patterns and make confident decisions to move your job search forward effectively.