Question
I keep applying jobs and getting an interview but I revise a lot and I still failed. Than I worry immediately about this. I constantly get worried regardless how much I revise for my interview. I need help but I’m afraid of asking for it.
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Response
As-Salaamun ‘Alaikum – peace be with you,
Thank you for reaching out to us, we know that it isn’t easy and we appreciate the confidence you have placed in us. May you be rewarded, Ameen.
You mentioned that you need help and you have taken the first step in doing so – be proud of this as it is more difficult to realise that you need help than actually seeking it!
Job searching and applying is stressful as it is, but it can be even more challenging if you constantly feel anxious about it. Regular and excessive worrying can negatively impact your motivation during the job application process.
Here are a few tips and information that can help when applying:
- Positivity is key! Having a positive mindset during the job application can massively help as it manages stress. Try looking at the positive side of each situation. For example, the fact that you have been invited to interviews shows that the employers think you are compatible and have the correct skills. Identify your assets, strengthen them and be grateful for them.
- Negative thoughts are not your friend. Anxious thoughts can spiral out of control and distort your understanding of a situation. Questioning these negative thoughts and replacing them with positivity can help with calming you down. Alongside this, you could try breathing techniques in which you breathe in for 4 counts, hold your breathe for 2 counts while saying the positive thought in your mind, then breathe out for 4 counts.
- Rejection is redirection. It is difficult to remain positive in the face of rejection, but remind yourself that if you have lost one opportunity there are several more left for you. Your rejections are not your failures. You mentioned that you have been applying for jobs several times and this demonstrates your resilience.
“Allah does not close a door on a servant with His Wisdom except that He opens two doors for him with His Mercy” [Ibn Qayyim].
- Learning opportunities. When you do experience rejections, use it as a positive learning experience to use in your next job application. Perhaps ask the employer for constructive criticism, feedback on areas you could improve on and what your strengths were. Use these to revise your application and come back stronger!
- Ar-Razzaq – the One who provides. Channel your worries into dua. Remind yourself that Allah is the Provider and He will provide you with a job at the right time.
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the Provider, the firm possessor of strength” [Quran 51:58].
- Unbearable? Seek help. If you are experiencing unbearable stress, for example you feel it is out of control and affecting the normal functioning of your life (family, hobbies, education etc), then it would benefit you to seek professional help. By doing this, you will be able to deal with your thoughts.
If you fear seeking professional help first time, ask yourself why. If you fear seeking help face to face, perhaps try seeking help online therapy sessions. There are several online platforms you can use to seek help, including Inspirited Minds counselling services.
If you feel that you do not want to attend a session by yourself, you could bring a family member or a friend with you to your first few sessions. The key is to be open with the professional so that they can tailor the support they provide for you allowing you to benefit from it the most!
May Allah, the One who Provides, bless you with a beautiful job!
These are just some humble suggestions. We sincerely hope and pray that one or more of them will be suitable to your circumstances and help create ease for you, In shaa Allah (if Allah wills). If you would like to discuss anything else on your mind, we also offer more personalized counselling here at Inspirited Minds.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further support.
Allah knows best and we hope this helps In Shaa Allah (if Allah wills).
Du’aa (supplication) always,
IM Support Team
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Ask Inspirited Minds is a safe, anonymous and confidential space for you to ask specific questions or seek advice around your mental health and wellbeing. We will publish your question and our response on our website but will make sure to make it anonymous and change any identifiable details. If you are going through these problems, then it’s highly likely someone else is going through something similar and we hope our advice can also be of help to others in a similar situation.
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