How many times have you felt you are the top candidate for the desired position? That you are the right one! And found out later the job went to someone else. Sound familiar? Have you ever felt more disappointed? or your interview did not go well, and you get a phone call, you are going for a second-round interview, and you still have a chance? Yes!

Job hunting is a time full of excitement and hope about new opportunities, but it can also be a time full of anxiety and stress, with peaks and valleys, with a full range of emotions, after all, job hunting is a full-time job. Here are seven tips on how to manage your emotions during your search.

1.- IT IS NOT PERSONAL

It is hard not to take it personally when you do not hear back from the company you applied after spending a significant time writing, rewriting, and reviewing your resume as many times as necessary hoping to be chosen, however, silence or rejection does not mean that you are not qualified or good enough or that you will never find a job. It is only part of the process.

2.- MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE AND PROCESS YOUR EMOTIONS

Your job search may take a little longer, but the good news is that it will not last forever. Stay positive, set up a search routine and enjoy the challenge of discovering new opportunities to apply for. Exercise, volunteer, meditate, study, and look for other activities in the meantime and experience your emotions without judgment. It allows us to move through them quickly and effectively.

Identify your triggers and neutralize them. If you are angry about something, have a conversation with a friend, identify your silver linings, and move forward.

3.- HAVE A PLAN

Break down your big search plan into more manageable ones and reduce negative thoughts. Spend time researching the position you want and cultures that are a good fit for you and learn about those businesses.

If you are more prepared for your job hunting, you feel more confident because you know exactly what you want.

• 4.- LEARN TO MANAGE EXPECTATIONS

  Avoid visualizing yourself already in the office, making the daily commute to work or earning a higher salary. It is too early in the process; imagination sometimes goes too high. Do you know what can you do instead? Think about the pros and cons that will help you see the opportunity from a more balanced view. Emotions are powerful; they can cloud our logic and can even lead us to make poor decisions. 

  5.-KEEP IN MIND THAT IT IS JUST A PROCESS

  Your job hunting can take months and like any other process, there are peaks and valleys. Sometimes silence or rejection can make you feel confused and frustrated, be prepared to anticipate, and manage them when they occur. When you know it is coming, you can deal with them, allowing you to rebound and move forward.

  6.- TAKE A BREAK

  If you are looking for a job, you already know it is a full-time job. If your job hunting, has you down, it is good to take a break. Remember, you have family and friends, spend time with them and enjoy! Have a coffee or a drink with them, take your children to the park!

  7.- LOOK FOR SUPPORT

  An experienced career coach and an expert in job hunting can help you deal with your emotions and guide you when you are feeling insecure about yourself. He or she can give you a sense of association, and help you mitigate those feelings helping you to advance in your search.

  The job search, like any major change in life, will make you walk through several stages before you reach your destination. A journey full of ups and downs, but the more prepared you are, the more likely you are to succeed.