DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH
Your attitude is one of the most important elements of your job search. How you do or do not maintain the proper attitude is critical. It can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude during a job search and it is wise to do an attitude check from time to time. It is possible that our attitude is hurting us and we do not even realize it.
Are you able to get up in
the morning and get going on your job search?
If not, it may be time to look at your attitude. It is easy to slip into a negative attitude
without even knowing it.
How
do you stay upbeat?
Do some things every day
that make you feel good. A funny movie
or video; coffee or lunch with a good friend; exercise; a bike ride; a trip to
the mountains; reading in the Bible.
Daily exercise of some sort is important and can help reduce some of the
stress. Make a list of things that make
you happy and that can contribute to a positive attitude and recall the many
blessings that you have in your life.
I suggest that you
continue to be with people who keep you upbeat and who have a positive
influence on you.
Robert Bly, an author,
developed a three-part strategy to dump the slump. 1. Do something. 2. Do
more. 3. Keep doing it. In some ways this strategy ties in with our
suggestion that you try different job search techniques. I think the message really is that you need
to keep moving.
Hank Aaron says that his
motto was always to "keep swinging".
THINK POSITIVELY. Know that you will get a job that it is just
a matter of time.
You must keep a positive
attitude because:
* Negativity can show up without your knowing it during a job interview
and with your contacts with people who may be able to help you
* It can limit your thinking so that you do not consider avenues you
should, including potential employers; contacts you should make; follow ups
that need to be done etc.
* If you do not think positively you may develop a distorted outlook on
life that not only affects your job search but relationships with family and
friends.
MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH
FRIENDS who can help you keep track of your attitude and assist you with
staying positive. Keep in touch with
those persons who keep you upbeat. Stay
in touch with peers who are also job searching. They are good sources for maintaining the attitude balance that
you need.
REVIEW THE POSITIVE
THINGS IN YOUR LIFE.
* Make a list of your
successes accomplishments
* Read positive passages
that motivate you
* Write a letter to your former employer about how you feel about things - then tear it up
* Handling rejection.
This is always tough for most of us.
We all have and will receive rejection letters. You cannot take it personally as they do not
think you are a fit or match for the job.
You have to move on. It is
possible in some cases to ask why you did not get a job and this can be a
learning experience or a positive you take away.
REVIEW THE HANDOUT WE
HAVE BEEN USING ON HANDLING REJECTION