Conquer Your Fear of Applying for Jobs

Applying for jobs can be intimidating. Every job seeker faces a string of common fears when they look at applying for a new role. Many people even resist job searching altogether because of these fears. 

Here are some common fears that every job seeker can struggle with, and how you can deal with them. 

Fear #1: Being Rejected

Nobody likes rejection – it’s not fun. Especially, if it’s something you really want. It’s very natural for us to avoid situations (such as applying for jobs) that can potentially lead us to negative emotions such as shame and embarrassment.

However, on the other side of the fear of rejection, we have the possibility for some major wins in our careers and goals. So just remember that if you don’t even try to go for the job, then rest assure, you’ll never get it.

In the end, rejection is not as scary as we make it out to be. Everyone gets rejected at some stage in their lives. Often, we learn from it, and even if we don’t, then it’s still just a rejection. So don’t let that fear hold you back.

Fear #2: You don’t fit all the requirements

Do you decide not to apply for a role because you don’t fit 100% all the requirements set out in the job spec? If so, have you ever asked yourself whether you actually want to move to a job that you could do with your eyes closed? Wouldn’t you rather take on a role that upskilled and challenged you? These are the sort of jobs that you should be going for – ones that can help drive your career.

Now of course, if there are several key “essential” requirements that you don’t meet, then it’s probably best to not apply. But if there are only a few “desirable” aspects that you could learn – you should still apply. What you can do is highlight on your CV that you have the necessary soft skills needed to pick up new concepts quickly, such as being hard-working and a fast learner. And always remember to provide examples of this in practice too.

Fear #3: Failure 

When you look over your career so far, do you tend to accredit all of your accomplishments to “luck”, and fight a persistent battle of a fear of failing or a fear of being exposed as a fraud?

You are not alone, and it’s important to know this. This is called “Imposter Syndrome” – and plenty of people deal with this. Imposter Syndrome is a feeling that you don't deserve your job, despite all of your accomplishments in the workplace, and it holds you back from taking risks for fear of failure.

The only way to stop feeling like an impostor is to stop thinking like an impostor. Be kind to yourself, talk about it to others, and most importantly for this topic, say “yes” to new opportunities.

Carefully read the job spec for the role you’re thinking about applying to. Study the skills required and the responsibilities involved. Ask yourself: What skills am I using in my current job that are transferable to this job? What additional skills do I need to learn?

With an open evaluation of your career so far, you'll be better prepared to recognise your skills and see where you might need additional learning and support.

Fear #4: You Won’t Stand Out

When applying for a job it can be disheartening thinking that the hiring manager or recruiter probably already has a mountain of CVs for the role. And it can be easy to start doubting yourself and your chances of getting picked out of that pile. But if you’re applying for a job you know you’re qualified for, then you deserve as much of a chance as the other applicants.

But if you want to stand out, you have to take action and go the extra mile. Show some initiative and share some other materials that a potential employer might be interested in – send them a link to your personal blog, or your portfolio, if you have one. Or anything that you think will help you stand out and give them a better sense of who you are as a candidate.

Fear #5: You’ll Hate the Job You Get

Don’t let the fear of potentially hating a new job turn you off from applying for the role. There’s no guarantee that you’ll love it, there’s also no guarantee that you’ll hate it. Don’t make something a problem before it’s actually a problem.

Reduce this fear by remembering that during the job interview, you can also vet the employer, just as they are vetting you. Ask lots of questions and get a sense of the day-to-day work, their goals, their mission, their management style, and their company culture. Pursue jobs you believe are a great fit for you!

Fear #6: Change

It’s normal to be apprehensive about change and the unknown. The prospect of leaving your comfort zone can be daunting. You start to think what exactly is involved in moving jobs – new colleagues, new office location, a different commute to work, unfamiliar tasks, etc. then suddenly, sticking with what you know feels much safer.

But safer isn’t always better. Sometimes to move forward in your career, you will need to take a leap of faith every now and again. Be bold and courageous each time you get a bit further along in the application process. Change is scary, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things in life. So, acknowledge your fear of the unknown and then move forward.

It’s normal to dread the job application process. But it’s also an important opportunity to move forward in your career. The only thing stopping you from seizing it with both hands is your fear. So, determine what’s holding you back from searching, then tackle that fear head-on. Feel the fear, and apply for that job anyway! Good luck!