The Emotional Toll of Job Hunting

Searching for a job can be one of the most emotionally draining processes anyone goes through. It requires careful planning and a well-thought-out strategy; otherwise, one can easily slide into frustration or even depression.

Many job seekers tend to jump at every vacancy they come across, applying to hundreds of positions each week. During the first few days, they feel excited because they believe their academic papers guarantee success. In fact, the excitement often comes from simply discovering a new online job board or a LinkedIn job alert. Once they know where to look, they rush into job hunting without any strategy.

I remember my first experience with LinkedIn and Brighter Monday. I thought I had finally reached the end of my joblessness. I saw countless vacancies scattered everywhere. I would load data into my Mi-Fi, scroll through opportunities for hours, and apply to every role I believed I fit. I was fascinated by the “easy apply” button – just one click and the application was gone. I truly thought this was the breakthrough I needed. But after two months with no results, I realised how wrong I was.

Why Strategy Matters More Than Speed

As a job seeker, planning should always come first. Don’t apply for every job you see. Start by preparing a polished résumé, a strong cover letter, and clear, scanned PDFs of your academic certificates. Then, research every vacancy before applying. Spend at least five to ten minutes confirming if the job exists on the employer’s official website, such as the careers page. This simple step can save you from scams, disappointments, and wasted effort.

Once you verify the vacancy, submit your application – then stay calm. Remember, hundreds of applicants may have applied before you, including people more experienced than you. Be hopeful, but keep your expectations balanced. Job applications are never guaranteed wins.

Never assume you will be selected simply because you applied. What if you’re not? Should you fall into depression? Absolutely not. Job hunting is a gamble – you win none or one, and you lose many or all! That is how bad it is. And when you lose, take it positively. At least, you tried. Apply with what you are emotionally prepared to lose. Smart job seekers understand this safety mindset.

Another truth is that many jobs you see online – especially on major job boards – are posted by employers who may not be urgently recruiting. Some do it to boost traffic or maintain visibility. It’s not ideal, but it happens frequently, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.

This is why nijob.co.ke exists – to save you from fake postings and wasted time. We publish only verified and genuinely open opportunities. Every employer and vacancy goes through a strict verification process before being displayed.

Many job seekers apply endlessly without receiving interview invites because they assume every job on platforms like LinkedIn or Brighter Monday is authentic. That’s where they go wrong. It’s not the job board’s fault – most platforms can only warn job seekers through disclaimers. The responsibility to verify falls on you.

Fake job Experts and Career Coaches

Finally, be cautious with “job experts” and “career coaches” on LinkedIn. Some of them are job seekers themselves who converted their struggles into a side hustle. That’s not wrong, but you must be wise. Do not pay anyone upfront. Pay only when the service is legitimate and at the correct stage. You may pay for a CV revamp, but never pay for job postings or early registration fees. No credible employer asks for money. It’s always a red flag.

If you follow the guidance above, you will protect yourself from losses, emotional stress, and unnecessary disappointment.