Monday, October 24, 2011

Keeping a Positive Attitude During Your Job Search

By Dolores Seright, Certified Professional Coach
You’ve been a positive person your entire life and you look at life as an exciting opportunity to do what you want to do. Then the economy took a downturn and you lost a significant part of your investments. Maybe you even lost your home to foreclosure. And you are unemployed or seeking to find a better-paying job!

It is not easy during this time to keep a smile on your face when company after company selects another, “better qualified” person for the few openings where you’ve managed to get an interview.

Your friends tell you to have a positive attitude and that someone will recognize your unique skills and offer you a job. Easier said than done, right?

Just remember though........

Action Keeps Negative Attitudes Away
Positive excitement happens when you are doing things, especially things you love to do. Think about the things you were too busy to do when you were working. Make a list of all the things you get excited about and begin by putting them on your schedule. It can be as simple as taking a hike, going for a swim or reading a book. Maybe a trip to the zoo or a picnic by nearby lake is something you enjoy. Take advantage of this opportunity to simply choose and enjoy what to do with your time. And remember to write it on your calendar!

Employers and Recruiters Can Easily Recognize Negative Attitudes

Job searching can be challenging if you have experienced some rejection. It can also be difficult if you were downsized and upset with your former employer. Keeping your comments positive during a job interview are essential to getting a job offer. Knowing you will be asked about your former employer, you must be sure that you have written out your response to questions about why you left. Practice your answers in front of a mirror until you are confident and smiling with your response. Remember that people want to work with happy, enthusiastic people.

Tips for Maintaining a Positive Attitude While Searching for Your Job
  • Develop a strategy for your job search which includes daily goals for internet research, networking, and other search related activities.
  • Join a support or networking group that offers training and tips to help with your search.
  • Include exercise or other physical activities in your daily schedule.
  • Be social and go to networking events and other activities you enjoy. Surround yourself with friends and positive people.
  • Listen carefully to what you are saying when talking to others. Develop a habit of saying positive things.
  • Make a list of your achievements in all areas of your life and review it frequently. You will be reminded of your best moments which will build your self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • When you hear someone discussing negative topics, such as how hard it is to find jobs in our current economy, stop listening. Complaining where take you nowhere but further down.
  • Visualize your new job and see yourself in your new work environment. How does it feel?
  • Use your job search time to increase your skills. You will be more valuable to your new employer.
  • Remember to have fun and enjoy the new people you meet and the many new experiences you can learn from.
  • Volunteer at an organization that you really enjoy. You can make a difference, make connections and gain experience you can add to your resume.

Your Attitude is Your Choice
You can decide each morning how you are going to live that day. The choice is yours. Take a few moments each morning to reflect on all of the good things in your life and smile. You are facing a new life, and the future is unknown at this moment. Develop your strategy, work your plan and believe in yourself. Remember that your job search is a journey to your new future.

Do you want even more helpful advice? Take our free assessment and become a member of the Fresh Start Community of women today: www.wehelpwomen.com. Membership gives you exclusive access to all of the exciting & interactive workshops.


Dolores Seright, CPC, is a certified professional coach and her passion is teaching people the skills they need to pursue their passion, become an expert in their field and excel in their business. Her experience as a regional business director for a corporation combined with her experience as a business owner gives her a unique ability to understand the challenges job seekers face. Dolores also volunteers as a career coach at Fresh Start in Phoenix and facilitates workshops on job searching in today’s marketplace. Learn more about Dolores at www.PassportToYourDreams.com and connect with her at www.facebook.com/phoenix.coach

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