iHire Survey: Nearly Half of Job Seekers Say Their Job Search Negatively Impacts Their Mental Health

Frederick, Maryland – Feb. 22, 2024 – Nearly half of job seekers say their job search negatively impacts their mental health, according to a new iHire survey. Of the 2,129 U.S. job candidates polled, 55.3% said waiting to hear back from employers after applying or interviewing was their top source of job search stress.

Specifically, when asked if they believed searching for a job negatively affects their mental health and wellbeing, 46.8% of candidates responded “yes,” while 46.4% responded “no” and 6.8% preferred not to answer.

In addition, iHire asked respondents to identify which aspects of their job search cause the most stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Candidates’ responses are as follows:

• Waiting to hear back from an employer after applying or interviewing (55.3%)
• Getting rejected by an employer (38.8%)
• Finding the right jobs to apply to (37.6%)
• Experiencing age discrimination as an older job seeker (36.1%)
• Interviewing (24.4%)
• Filling out applications/applying to jobs (22.7%)
• Negotiating salary (16.4%)
• Writing a cover letter (13.2%)
• Writing a resume (11.4%)
• Networking (9.4%)
• Experiencing age discrimination as a younger job seeker (3.5%)

“Searching for a job, especially when you’re unemployed, is highly stressful,” said Lori Cole, iHire Certified Career Coach and Brand Ambassador. “To ease their anxiety and increase their confidence, job seekers should set achievable goals, stay organized, take breaks, practice selfcare, and reach out to family and friends or a mental health professional for support.”

Cole continued, “There is a stigma around discussing mental health challenges in the workplace. However, employers and hiring managers can address these issues and help job seekers feel more at ease by responding promptly, communicating clearly, asking appropriate interview questions, showing empathy, and treating every candidate with respect.”

For more insights into iHire’s survey, visit our Resource Center.

About the Survey

2,129 U.S. job seekers responded to iHire’s survey conducted through the Qualtrics XM platform in February 2024. Respondents came from iHire’s job seeker database comprising candidates across 57 talent communities.

About iHire

iHire is a leading career-oriented platform that powers a family of 57 industry-focused talent networks, including WorkInSports, iHireVeterinary, iHireDental, iHireConstruction, and iHireChefs. For more than 20 years, iHire has combined advanced job matching technology with our expertise in the talent acquisition space to connect job seekers with employers in their desired sector. With an industry-specific, candidate-centric, and data-driven approach to recruitment, iHire helps candidates find meaningful work and employers find unique, high-quality talent – faster, easier, and more effectively than a general job board. Visit www.iHire.com for more information.

###