{"id":2460,"date":"2018-08-07T21:47:13","date_gmt":"2018-08-07T21:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=2460"},"modified":"2018-09-14T16:14:36","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T16:14:36","slug":"how-to-get-a-job-with-depression-and-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/how-to-get-a-job-with-depression-and-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Job with Depression and Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Just trying to get out and about can be tough, let alone getting a job with depression and anxiety. If you feel isolated and alone, it can be hard to find the motivation to perform the most basic of tasks, so you have to do your best to break the negative cycle.<\/p>\n<p>Searching for jobs when you feel low or anxious isn&#8217;t easy, but there are real solutions to the problem. We explore two job-hunting tactics in depth. Afterward, we also address self-management and therapy for anxiety and depression. This might not be directly related to job hunting, but they can make all the difference. Last, we take a look at some useful advice for anyone with depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n<p>Armed with these, you\u2019ll be able to increase the likelihood of finding the right job in no time. So, let&#8217;s get underway.<\/p>\n<p>[su_list icon=&#8221;icon: check-circle&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Job-Hunting Tactics for People with Depression and Anxiety<\/h2>\n<p>If you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcpsych.ac.uk\/healthadvice\/problemsanddisorders\/shynessandsocialphobia.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>social anxiety<\/strong><\/a>, no job hunt is going to be easy. But going back to work helps depression, anxiety and a host of other conditions. So, it\u2019s truly worth the effort.<\/p>\n<p>There are two central approaches to applying for jobs, whether you have clinical depression or not. They are two sides of the same coin: quantity versus quality. You can either send out as many resumes as you possibly can, to as many openings as you can. Or, you can spend time and effort on each and every application. The choice is yours.<\/p>\n<h3>1) Send Your Resume Indiscriminately<\/h3>\n<p>The idea here is a relatively simple one: you have to be in it to win it. If you send out as many resumes as you can, then sooner or later one of them will stick. It\u2019s like playing the lottery, and it has many advantages.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pros: <\/strong>This approach is low-effort. All you have to do is find jobs online, find an email address and send it. For many jobs, there is no application form; all they want is your resume. For the ultimate low-effort approach, only ever send your resume through email\u2014don\u2019t spend time filling in forms, applying in person or anything along those lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons: <\/strong>Just like playing the lottery, you\u2019re not going to win with every ticket. Most recruiters can spot when you haven\u2019t tailored your resume. This is a sign that you either don\u2019t care about the job, or you\u2019re not a fan of making an effort. That\u2019s not a good impression. However, that won\u2019t rule you out 100% of the time. The other negative with this approach is that it can be disheartening, sending out a dozen resumes a day and hearing nothing back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2466\" src=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs.jpeg\" alt=\"cant get a job because of anxiety\" width=\"575\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs.jpeg 575w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs-38x25.jpeg 38w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/anxiety-friendly-jobs-250x167.jpeg 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As you can see, this method is simple but is not a guarantee of finding an employer. If you&#8217;re unable to spend an hour a day tailoring your resume for different roles, go for a scattergun approach. Just be aware that you probably won\u2019t find a job overnight with this method.<\/p>\n<h3>2) Tailor Every Application<\/h3>\n<p>This approach is the polar opposite. It\u2019s high-effort, but high-reward. Every time you apply for jobs online, take the time to go over your resume and edit it. It&#8217;s definitely what we recommend!<\/p>\n<p>You should change it based on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The employer\u2019s job description<\/li>\n<li>Common strengths necessary in a particular industry or field<\/li>\n<li>What the employer says they\u2019re looking for (e.g., team player, charismatic sales ability, reliability or similar)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of this information is available either online or in the job offer you\u2019re replying to. If you mirror what the employer says they want, they will know that you\u2019re willing to put the effort in. But this approach does have drawbacks, too. Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pros: <\/strong>Because you tailor your resume, it\u2019s far more likely to be successful. Overall, you\u2019ll have to apply for fewer positions before you get an offer in return. If you are serious about finding a job, that\u2019s great news. On the whole, you\u2019ll probably spend less time unemployed if you take this approach.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons: <\/strong>Unfortunately, this approach does take a lot of effort. If you are depressed, it\u2019s not always possible to do this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, as you can see, this approach works; but is it possible for you? Only you know, so give it a go, and see if you\u2019re happy to keep it up. Whichever tactic you pick, you can almost certainly find a job if you put the effort in.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve received a job offer, you have to think about interviews. This is where depression and anxiety can leave a mark. Anxiety can make you feel nervous, which can lead you to <a href=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/job\/signs-interview-went-badly\/\"><strong>make interview mistakes<\/strong><\/a> or leave a bad impression. Depression can mean that you don\u2019t even feel like turning up.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, it\u2019s possible to <a href=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/job\/did-your-job-interview-go-well\/\"><strong>manage the interview healthily<\/strong><\/a>. Even if you do feel nervous, that does not mean that you can\u2019t ace the interview. Let\u2019s take a look at two ways to manage anxiety and depression that can help you on the way to getting a job.<\/p>\n<p>[\/su_list]<\/p>\n<h2>Self-Management Tactics<\/h2>\n<p>Self-managing your anxiety and depression is possible. You may not be able to reverse any effects that you feel completely. However, you can most definitely prevent it from stopping you doing what you need to do. You can also make it a far less important part of your life.<\/p>\n<p>Here are four tips that you can use to take the edge off anxiety and depression, to get you through an interview:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Breathing techniques. <\/strong>These aren\u2019t just for controlling anger by calming you down. They have a physical effect, too. When you\u2019re in fight-or-flight mode, the body\u2019s response is to make you take shallow and fast breaths. It\u2019s similar to what happens during a panic attack. By breathing slowly and deliberately, you take the focus off your worries, and you also physically calm your body down.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remind yourself that thoughts are only thoughts. <\/strong>With both depression and anxiety, it\u2019s easy to let your thoughts run wild. They can put you down, assuming the worst about yourself and lowering your confidence. But when a mean or negative thought enters your head, remind yourself: it\u2019s just a thought. By forcing yourself to think positive thoughts, you can shape both the way you feel and the way you behave. That\u2019s the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT\u2014more on that later.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be honest. <\/strong>You might not want to, but this tip really can help. During your interview, tell the interviewer: \u201cSorry if I seem nervous. Landing this job would be a great achievement!\u201d In one go, you\u2019re saying something like that empowers you <em>and <\/em>communicates honestly with your interviewer. They\u2019ll also like your positive attitude.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Write out and classify your worries. <\/strong>Essentially, what you do is write out your worries, and ask yourself whether your worry is something you can do anything about. If you can\u2019t do anything about the worry, focus on other, more productive worries. If you can do something, write out what you can do about it right now. If you can do something later, write that out too. This helps you claim control of your worries and helps you combat them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The best thing about self-management of depression and anxiety is that you can \u2018perform\u2019 it anywhere. That means you can use it any time you like, even when you\u2019re in the interview room. The main negative is that without guidance, it isn\u2019t always going to be effective.<\/p>\n<h3>1) Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>Therapy is always helpful and can help you feel more comfortable searching for jobs or working. Of course, there are different kinds of therapy available, like exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Each has its merits and could help you in your search. They\u2019re also worth looking into whether they help you find work or not. Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n<h3>2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>[su_list icon=&#8221;icon: check-circle&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) aims to control what you think so that you can improve on what you feel and do. Half of CBT involves talking to a therapist about what you think when you\u2019re depressed or anxious. So, which thoughts cross your mind\u2014worries about failure, self-doubt, anger, and disappointment?<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2467\" src=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression.jpeg\" alt=\"worst jobs for people with anxiety\" width=\"575\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression.jpeg 575w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression-38x25.jpeg 38w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/getting-a-job-with-anxiety-and-depression-250x167.jpeg 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The other half involves \u2018homework.\u2019 This involves writing exercises like diaries and using\u00a0worry charts. You\u2019ll also do certain things that would normally trigger an adverse anxious reaction, and take notes on what you think and what you feel.<\/p>\n<p>Your therapist will then help you understand how these negative thoughts affect your feelings. CBT practitioners believe that negative thoughts shape patterns in both thought and feeling. So, for example, thoughts of continued self-doubt can exacerbate depression or anxiety. Allowing yourself to continually think things like \u201cThere\u2019s no way I can do this!\u201d leads to a physical feeling of helplessness.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pros: <\/strong>CBT is proven to be helpful with anxiety, depression and a host of other conditions. It\u2019s widely available no matter where you live since there are plenty of therapists who operate on a CBT basis. As a treatment, it\u2019s a healthier alternative or addition to medication.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons: <\/strong>You have to truly commit to CBT for it to have a positive effect. It\u2019s possible to do some of the \u2018homework\u2019 without going to therapy. But without guidance, it\u2019s not as effective. If you do commit to CBT, it\u2019s not an overnight treatment, either.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>CBT would help you with more than just your job search. But concerning helping you to find work, it would give you the confidence you need to get through interviews.<\/p>\n<h3>3) Exposure Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>Next up, you could consider exposure therapy. Exposure therapy, these days, is considered a subset of CBT. But you can choose to go through more or less exposure therapy during CBT sessions. If you\u2019re not sure what it is, it\u2019s exactly what it sounds like. Over time, you\u2019re gradually exposed to whatever it is you\u2019re afraid of. This could be snakes, spiders or social situations.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, because of exposure in a safe setting, you become \u2018desensitized\u2019 to your fear. Exposure starts with something as simple as reading about what makes you feel afraid. You might then watch videos of your fear, before finally confronting it head-on in person. So, for example, your therapist might have you watch videos of awkward interviews. Eventually, they would have you go through staged and real interviews.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pros: <\/strong>Exposure therapy is an amazing tool. It\u2019s structured, safe and simple. Since it\u2019s considered a part of CBT, it\u2019s also widely available.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons: <\/strong>Exposure therapy is limited but effective. While CBT can help you more generally with social anxiety, exposure therapy is more focused. It can directly help you face and get better at interviews, which is what you wanted in the first place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Exposure therapy could, therefore, help you directly with interview skills. It could also help you earlier on in the process when applying for jobs. All you have to do is ask your therapist for assistance with that, too. Of course, therapy is a big step, and it might not be one you\u2019d like to take right now. There\u2019s no problem with that. So what about more general job search tips for depressed people, that you could use right now?<\/p>\n<h2>Job Search Tips for Anxious and Depressed People<\/h2>\n<p>As we said, therapy is a big step. So aside from taking big steps, what can you do to make your job search a little easier? As it turns out, job searching has become easier than ever. That\u2019s in no small part due to the online revolution, which has made applying to job postings simpler. Let\u2019s take a look at some realistic, useful job search tips for depressed people.<\/p>\n<h3>1) Pick the Right Positions<\/h3>\n<p>Finding careers for people with depression and anxiety isn\u2019t always simple. The first thing you have to consider is the balance between dreams and your bank balance. If you\u2019ve always wanted to be a graphic designer, but you can\u2019t find any openings, consider something else. The most important thing is to be financially secure come to the end of each month. Living comfortably can help with depression and anxiety because you won&#8217;t have to worry about debt.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, it\u2019s also important to pick a position that won\u2019t wear you out. You need something that\u2019s going to give you a reason to get out of bed. In other words, a meaningless office job might not cut it for you. When you\u2019re looking at job openings, balance these two concerns and decide whether a position is right for you.<\/p>\n<p>You should also think of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether a job is a comfortable social setting for you. For example, a busy sales office might not be to your taste.<\/li>\n<li>Whether a job would give you enough mental stimulation and physical activity. Sitting around in front of a computer screen all day isn\u2019t good for depression or anxiety.<\/li>\n<li>Whether you would gain a sense of achievement from a particular job.<\/li>\n<li>Whether a position would leave you in a financially stable position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2468\" src=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety.jpg\" alt=\"how to keep a job with anxiety\" width=\"422\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety.jpg 422w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-110x150.jpg 110w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-220x300.jpg 220w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-28x38.jpg 28w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-183x250.jpg 183w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-73x100.jpg 73w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-294x400.jpg 294w, https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-starter-job-for-someone-with-social-anxiety-354x483.jpg 354w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If a job ticks each of your boxes, you\u2019re onto a winner. Great jobs for the clinically depressed include charity work, anything that involves traveling, and anything related to your interests. These jobs give you an all-important sense of life satisfaction.<\/p>\n<h3>2) Use a Mix of Online and Offline<\/h3>\n<p>Our next tip is to send a mixture of online and offline applications. Sending impersonal applications online is quick and easy. It\u2019s also much easier to find open positions if you look on a variety of sites. That way, you\u2019re covering almost every base\u2014finding every available job that you can. That can only increase your chances in the long run.<\/p>\n<p>But applying in person, where possible, is more likely to land you a job. Employers like a personal touch and handing in your resume in person is exactly that. Going out of your way shows that you\u2019re truly interested in landing a job, and employers like seeing that kind of commitment in their applicants. That\u2019s why you\u2019re more likely to be hired.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, both applying online and applying offline can have their drawbacks. Take applying online as the first example. Filling in forms online and sending out resumes can be a tiresome and repetitive process. Not only that but if you\u2019re unlucky, you\u2019ll only hear back from employers relatively rarely. That means you\u2019ll be sending out applications without hearing anything back. That can be demoralizing.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, applying in person can be frustrating: often you\u2019ll be turned away and told to apply online instead. But for every resume you hand in, the process becomes more worthwhile. That\u2019s why you should use a mix of both approaches in your search, where possible.<\/p>\n<h3>3) Set Up Email Newsletters<\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019s a great tip that\u2019ll help you find openings quickly and easily. Rather than spend each day scouring the net, let the jobs come to you. When you sign up for online job boards, set up a daily or weekly newsletter too. Then, they\u2019ll send every relevant job that gets posted directly to your email address.<\/p>\n<p>The best thing about setting up email newsletters is that it saves you time and effort. If you\u2019re feeling depressed on a particular day, you might not want to spend an hour or two searching for jobs. That\u2019s understandable. But with a newsletter, your job is suddenly a lot easier.<\/p>\n<p>Most sites need to know:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your interests<\/li>\n<li>Your past experience<\/li>\n<li>Your qualifications<\/li>\n<li>Your preferences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And then, armed with this information, they can send you tailored reports each day or each week. Given that it only takes a minute to set up a weekly newsletter, you\u2019re saving a lot of time.<\/p>\n<h3>4) Have Three Resumes<\/h3>\n<p>Remember above, where we said that tailored resumes are the most likely to land you a job? That\u2019s still true. But the world isn\u2019t black and white. If you have three resumes in your back pocket, you\u2019re still miles ahead of the curve. Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve worked in sales, you studied history at university, and you\u2019ve previously worked in management. You should have three resumes, one for each relevant field.<\/p>\n<p>So, for example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your first resume would be sales based. In it, you would talk in depth about your experience in sales. Perhaps you worked in a call center. You could emphasize how you\u2019re persuasive, friendly and forward\u2014and that you were regularly the top seller in your team.<\/li>\n<li>Your second resume would focus on your qualifications. If you studied history and wanted to work in a museum, for example, you should tailor your resume to reflect that. Highlight how enthusiastic you are to learn new things, and how well you did in your course.<\/li>\n<li>Your third resume should focus on your management experience. You can talk about the team you managed, what you achieved, and how.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now, the point of having three resumes is that you\u2019re making a compromise between effort and quality. You aren\u2019t committed to editing your resume for each and every application. It might be a good idea, but it takes lots of time. By drafting three resumes, you give yourself most of the benefits of tailoring your applications, with far less effort.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for a career for depressed and anxious people is no easy task. But it\u2019s one that can be achieved in small steps, one by one. Make a start by applying for just one job, and go from there.<\/p>\n<p>You may be interested in <a href=\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/job\/behind-scenes-healthcare-careers-least-stressful\/\"><strong>healthcare jobs that are the least stressful<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/su_list]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just trying to get out and about can be tough, let alone getting a job with depression and anxiety. If you feel isolated and alone, it can be hard to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2460"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2460\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}