Practical tips to boost your wellbeing while job searching

• The Growth Company helps people to improve their wellbeing, build confidence, and take positive steps towards work.
• Our employment advisors share simple techniques, including mindfulness, and encourage people to ask for support to help reduce stress and build resilience during their job search.
• With the right support, people are more likely to feel confident, move into work, and stay in it long term.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 11 to 17 May this year, but for our colleagues working in wellbeing-related employment support roles, it’s a priority every single day.

We spoke to them to gather practical advice for people currently looking for work. Here’s what they said.

Break it down into steps

Pace yourself and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. We often describe job searching as a full-time job. It can be mentally demanding, especially when managing your mental health. Break tasks down into smaller, manageable steps so each application gets the time and attention it deserves.

Set a routine and ask for help

Always prioritise self-care, build a routine, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. It’s easy to feel that being independent means doing everything alone, but recognising when you need help, and reaching out, is a real sign of strength.

Start your day in a simple, focused way

Start your day with a simple 10-minute routine. Sit with your tea or coffee, put your phone away, and focus on what you can sense. When you’re finished, wash your cup and tidy up slowly, paying attention to each step. The aim is to stay focused on what you’re doing, rather than letting your mind race ahead.

Make your needs known

In the workplace, it’s just as important to ask for the support you need. Our experience shows that many employers are understanding of their staff’s needs, and it’s in everyone’s interest for people to feel supported and able to perform at their best.

Focus on your strengths, not just your situation

Your mental health journey doesn’t define you. We all have different strengths. We encourage people to reach out for support rather than trying to manage things alone. Being out of work can be challenging, and over time it can affect confidence, thoughts, and overall wellbeing. But with the right support, it’s possible to move forward.

If you’re already in work and finding things difficult, it’s important to know that support is available. There are many options to explore, such as reasonable adjustments, changes to workload or working patterns, and having open, supportive conversations with your employer. For some, it may also mean considering a different role or path, with the right guidance to make informed decisions.

To find out more about what employment support is on offer, visit the Support Services section of our website, email gcsupportservices[at]gcemployment.uk, or phone 0161 237 4451.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the health and wellbeing support that we deliver.