In today's fast-paced and competitive job market, a new phenomenon has emerged: 'doomjobbing'. This term, a clever portmanteau of 'doomscrolling' and 'job searching', encapsulates the addictive and anxious behavior of job seekers frantically scrolling and applying to countless job listings. It's a behavior that, while seemingly productive, can actually hinder one's chances of landing a dream role.
The Rise of Doomjobbing
Jonathan Clanton, a talent acquisition professional, found himself in the midst of this modern dilemma after being laid off. His story is a relatable one for many job seekers today. The stress of needing to find work quickly, coupled with the uncertainty of the job market, can lead to a vicious cycle of doomjobbing.
Ilya Bagrak, a product manager, coined the term after his daughter observed his incessant LinkedIn scrolling. Bagrak's experience highlights the emotional toll of job loss, especially for those who are the primary breadwinners for their families. The pressure to provide and the fear of uncertainty can drive people to engage in this counterproductive behavior.
Understanding the Psychology
Career coach Phoebe Gavin sheds light on the psychological aspect of doomjobbing. She explains that while it may provide a temporary emotional relief, it ultimately leaves job seekers feeling more hopeless and powerless. It's a behavior driven by a desire for stability and control in an uncertain job market.
Career coach Eliana Goldstein emphasizes the prevalence of job search anxiety in recent years. The job market feels tougher than ever, and people are under immense pressure. Traditional job search tactics often fall short, as each new job listing is flooded with applications.
The Impact and Implications
Doomjobbing can have detrimental effects on both the job search and personal life. It leads to a higher volume of applications, which doesn't necessarily increase success rates. Instead, it often results in more rejections and fewer responses. This can further fuel anxiety and self-doubt, creating a negative cycle.
Goldstein argues that behaviors like doomjobbing divert time and energy from more purposeful activities like relationship building, networking, and personal branding. Clanton's experience is a testament to this, as he realized his scrolling habit was impacting his presence with his children.
Breaking Free from Doomjobbing
So, how can job seekers avoid falling into the doomjobbing trap?
1. Narrow Your Search
Goldstein advises job seekers to focus their search. It's crucial to be clear about what you want and what role is best suited for you. Applying to roles that aren't a good fit is a waste of time in a competitive market. Gavin recommends slowing down and focusing on one application at a time, taking the time to tailor your resume to each role.
2. Restrict Application Time
Clanton found time blocking to be an effective strategy. By dedicating specific time blocks to job searching, networking, and visibility-boosting activities, he was able to cut down on doomjobbing. Setting time limits and creating boundaries around when and where you check job alerts can prevent the job search from taking over your life.
3. Leverage Your Network
Gavin emphasizes the importance of relationships in the job search. Candidates who build connections and come in through the 'side door' often have faster and more successful job searches. While cold outreaches are valid, proactively reaching out to your warm network can exponentially increase your chances of hearing back and getting opportunities.
In a competitive job market, it's easy to fall into the trap of doomjobbing. However, by narrowing your search, managing your time effectively, and leveraging your network, you can break free from this counterproductive cycle and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
