You are always being told that a self-care routine is important. It eases your mental health, keeps you looking at your best, and ensures that you feel great every day. But what if we told you that it could also help you to get a job? Here are seven ways that real self-care will help with your employment search.

1. Looking fresh and clean

When you take care of your skin, wash frequently, and get that healthy inner glow, you’ll look much more like an inviting prospect for employers. Subconsciously, they will see you as a healthy person who is going to work for longer and get more done – so this is a great start to any interview.

2. Staying sharp for interviews

If you get the right amount of sleep, relax often, and keep your brain sharp, then you will be ready to ace any interview. No matter what kind of questions get thrown at you, you will be able to answer them clearly and concisely. Even if you’re nervous on the day, you can handle that by believing in yourself.

3. Flashing a professional smile

There’s nothing more appealing than a professional smile. In fact, we pay a lot of attention to the teeth of others, more than we might realise. Flashing a smile full of white, straight teeth will open doors for you. Make sure you brush at least twice daily, get to a dentist if you have crooked teeth, and wear a mouthguard when your teeth need that extra protection – especially if you have a tendency to grind them.

4. A friendly, happy demeanour

When you’ve taken time for yourself to relax and do the things you enjoy, you are much more likely to have a friendly and happy demeanour as a result. Most employers will see this as the kind of personality that they want to have on their team. Showing up to an interview or answering a call with this attitude will definitely get you places.

5. Time to dream

When you take the time to look after yourself, you can nurture your mental self as well as your physical self. What do you really want to do? What would make you happy? If you give yourself time to dream, you might just discover a secret longing for employment in an industry that you are much better suited to. This will give you the confidence to go after your dream.

6. A full wardrobe

Self-care also means giving yourself the things you need. While someone who isn’t paying attention might have frayed hems and loose threads, you’re looking after yourself – and your clothes. With a full wardrobe of things that suit you well, you’ll be able to step out to interview looking your best. That gives a professional vibe that can’t be ignored by recruiters

7. Standing up for yourself

You can also have the belief and confidence to stand up for yourself if you practice self-care. This means recognising opportunities that you should go for, having the confidence to do it, and then the self-belief to let recruiters know that you are the best person for the job. You can also confidently defend yourself if you should be asked any questions about your work history, such as why you left this job or that job.

Self-care is really important, even when you are busy looking for a job. In fact, it might just be more important at this time, because it could just be the thing that helps you to get that job after all.

Amelie Mahone is a loving wife and a mother of three. She loves to read about history and write articles on various topics, such as: business, education, history, teaching. As a young mum, Amelie also likes to read about motivation and parenting.