Finding a job these days is tough. Moreover, the longer you look for a job the more defeated you may feel. But whether you’ve been looking for a new job for a week or a year, one of the most important elements in your job search success will be maintaining a positive attitude.
A 2010 survey by staffing services firm Accountemps suggests that the most likely place where job candidates make mistakes when looking for a job is during the job interview. What did they do wrong? The May 12, 2008 CNN Living article, “Top 10 Interview Mistakes,” suggests the top five blunders include:
- Badmouthing a former boss (49%)
- Appearing disinterested (48%)
- Arrogance (44%)
- Insufficient answers (40%)
- Not asking good questions (29%)
In fact, the CNN article specifically suggests job seekers should “put on a happy face.” Writer Rosemary Haefner notes that a job interview is “not the time to air your grievances.” Moreover, the November 11, 2011 Sun Times article, “How to make a job fair work for you: research, attitude, energy” suggests that studies show that 53% of recruiters consider a person’s body language and 30% their vocal intonation to determine sincerity and excitement.
While there is no fool-proof method for keeping your spirits up when things look gloomy, here are four tips that may help you change your stinking thinking about finding a job.
What’s This about Misery Loving Company?
No, this is not a suggestion that you should take solace in the misery of those around you. However, sometimes job seekers forget that they are not the only ones looking for work. The benefit of remembering this is to help you realize that if your job search takes a little longer it is not because you are a rotten employee or a bad hire. It’s just a sign of the times. Don’t beat yourself up. In fact, you should…
Accept the Things You Cannot Change
Remember the saying about having the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference? There is no better time to apply this advice than when looking for a job.
Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you, from networking to social media to informational interviews. If you want to be successful in your job search, you should…
Plan Your Job Search, So You Can Relax
You know how good it feels to come home after a hard day at work and to relax? You can get that same feeling if you treat your job search as if it were your job. Keeping busy is one of the best ways to maintain a positive attitude. Don’t give yourself time to lie around and mope.
For job seekers who have been at it a while, you may want to give your job search a jump-start. You can find tips on how in the Suite101 article, “Rethink Your Job Search Strategy to Rejuvenate Your Search.” And don’t forget to…
Reach Out – Someone Will be There
Learning to deal with the disappointment of job loss and the struggle of finding a new job does not mean walking that path alone. If you feel overwhelmed, get some help. It can be from a therapist, a school or church counselor, or a good friend or family member. Talk to someone who can help you regain your perspective and help you eliminate a self-defeating attitude.
Finding a job is all about attitude. Don’t let stinking thinking destroy your chances of finding the right opportunity for you.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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