Emotions are celebrated and repressed, analyzed and medicated, adored and ignored -- but rarely, if ever, are they honored.

- Karla McLaren

What Do You Do if You Feel Angry in Your Job Search?

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-owner of www.ExpertResume.com

You may feel angry or frustrated in your job search. That is normal. The question is how do you deal with your anger or frustration. You may try to avoid your feelings. Or you may be the type of person that lets out steam immediately.

Both of those responses have their place. However, to be the master of your ship, start recognizing and being with your feelings. If you are present with what you feel, you begin the process of untangling your difficult emotions. Feelings have a life of their own. They deserve an audience. They will spill out when you least want them too, if you do not give them their day in court. The best audience to start with is you. If you attend to how you feel, you are less likely to express your frustration in the wrong places, like a job interview.

There is a way to help you deal with your anger, learn from your feelings and move forward. Stop and be with your anger or frustration. Don’t analyze, just sit and allow your feelings to be. If you sit quietly with your feelings for ten to twenty minutes, you are honoring yourself and your feelings. Allow your feelings to become your allies. When you allow yourself to experience your feelings, they lose their grip and intensity. You will eventually learn more about yourself.

Listening to your feelings is one path to wisdom. Be gentle with yourself. Small steps are the way to go. If you feel overwhelmed with your feelings - seek help. It is a sign of strength to seek professional help when you need it. You can learn some great life-giving tools.

Professionals used to think that hitting pillows or venting your anger was helpful. Scientists discovered this only prolongs or exaggerates your anger. If you sit silently and accept your anger or frustration, they will eventually deliver a far better and healthier outcome. Anger and frustration will lose their verve and sting. You may learn a valuable lesson. Allow your feelings to teach you and guide you. However, do not let them run wild or they will take you on a wild goose chase.

There are many feelings that may accompany you on your job search, including anger and frustration. Allow them to evolve and become your teachers and allies. Let them be. Let them speak to you.

Consider experimenting with this idea and see if this might work for you.

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search. If you have any questions about a professional resume, cover letter or other job search documents please feel free to call Bob.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Master’s in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com