All You Need to Know

• How should I approach looking for a job?

  Job hunting can be tough - applications can be time-consuming and you are open to rejection.

  Be kind to yourself and think of ways to keep your self-confidence and wellbeing levels up.

  Here are some tips to help:

  • Set achievable tasks. Focus on the parts you can control like being prepared and setting targets to tick off each day.
  • Ask for help. Ask friends or family to look at your CV or covering letters, or look for tips online to help you.
  • Try not to be too negative. The job market can be tough and a lot is out of your control. Try to be kind to yourself.
  • Seek mental health support. If you feel your mental health slipping, talk to a trusted adult or friend. 

  The Children's Society - help with finding a job and earning money

• I keep getting rejected

  It can be upsetting if you've spent hours on a job application, your CV, covering letter, or if you've gone to an interview and it was unsuccessful.

  • Remember that you aren't alone.  Lots of people have similar experiences. Try reaching out to friends and family and they'll tell you similar stories too!
  • You can admit to being disappointed. If you don't want to speak to someone, write some of your feelings in a journal to get them out. It's okay to feel upset. 
  • Take care of yourself. Look after yourself and if you need some time, give yourself a break to work on self-care.
  • Ask for feedback from the employer. It's really useful and can give you tips on what to try next time.

  Tips on how to deal with job rejection

• I'm nervous about meeting new people at my new job

  Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking and it's natural to feel nervous about the people you will meet. But try to think of it as an opportunity to meet new friends. 

  If you are struggling to make friends at your workplace, or you're starting a new job, think about these tips: 

  • Be friendly. A positive attitude and taking an interest in other people can help to build relationships.
  • Get out there. Try not to use your phone as a crutch and get into communal spaces to meet new people.
  • Be part of a team. Showing kindness and offering to help your team out can help you bond with other people.
  • Keep it professional. It's great to build new friendships, but remember you are at work, so  avoid very personal questions or overstepping boundaries.

  More tips on meeting people in a new workplace

• How should I cope with stress at work?

  Work out what is making you feel stressed so that you can plan what to do next.

  Focus on the things you can change, rather than the things which are out of your control.

  Try to find a coping technique which works for you. This could be a breathing exercise, or focusing on a happy thought - something which eases the feeling of stress and allows you to think clearly again.

  Mindfulness is a good way to deal with stress. It is about focusing on the here and now and making yourself feel calm.

  Find Mindfulness Activities here

• My workload is too much

  Sometimes the amount of work you have to do can build up and it starts to feel like too much.

  If this happens, speak to your manager, explain you are struggling and ask for help

  You might be able to break your workload down into smaller tasks which seem more manageable.

  If you find yourself working long hours, try to claim some time back so that you have the right balance between work and home life.

  It's important to be realistic and not to be hard on yourself. Set yourself realistic targets and when you achieve them, reward yourself by taking a break before moving on to the next task.

• I don't have the support I need at work

  It's important to feel supported at work so that if you have any issues, they can be properly resolved.

  If you don't feel able to speak to your manager, you could talk to your workplace's human resources (HR) department, or a trade union representative, to ask for help.

  Try to build a strong relationship with your colleagues so that they can support you. Having these friendships will also make your working life more enjoyable.

  Some organisations have employee assistance programmes which offer free advice and counselling. They might also offer a mentoring or buddy system to help you get the support you need.