The job searching process can pack quite an emotional wallop.
After all, it requires you to put yourself out there and face the possibility of rejection, which isn’t the most comfortable feeling in the world.
Then there are the highs and lows of job searching.
One day you’re feeling hopeful and excited about an opportunity. Three days later you’re feeling like crap.
And I haven’t even gotten started on the actual work of job searching, the hours you put toward networking, asking for help, clarifying what type of job you’re looking for, and preparing your job search materials.
At least one of these activities probably falls in that ‘not my favorite thing in the world’ category.
Yet job searching is a necessary process that we have to endure en route to our goal of a better job.
Here are five mindsets to help those of you who are currently in the midst of the dreaded job search process.
Mindset #1 – Every step I take moves me closer to the result I want.
Mindset #2 – My actions are benefitting me, whether they lead to an immediate job offer or not.
Mindset #3 – This process will not go on forever.
Mindset #4 – There are many reasons why I may not hear back from a connection or a job application that have nothing to do with me or my qualifications.
Mindset #5 – It’s possible to find a better job.
Job searching is not the most fun activity in the world, but you are strong enough to get through it.
Keep your eyes on the reasons why you’re looking for a new job and use these mindsets to help you through the tough patches.
Now, here’s my challenge to you.
Leave a comment below giving an example of how these perspectives could be true. For example, for Mindset #2- did an interview that didn’t go so well make you better prepared for a different interview? For Mindset #5- can you think of a friend or relative who found a better job? Or, note what other mindsets have helped you survive the dreaded job search process. I’d love to hear what works for you!
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There are some nice reminders here! I think it’s also important to remember “I am a qualified/talented individual” or “I have a lot to offer.” I think it’s easy for a job search to weigh down on self-confidence and cause people to lose sight that they are talented/competent people.
Excellent points Anya! I’ve seen plenty of awesome people lose a little bit of faith during the job search process, so the reminders you offered are spot on. I appreciate you taking the time to share this perspective with everyone.
These are some EXCELLENT & well needed reminders. I just find it harder to find a job in my field the longer I’m out of it. I’m certified to teach middle/high school. I haven’t taught in since May 2012 before that it had been a year and a half due to teacher cutbacks. I’m now working as an administrative assistant. It can be so discouraging when you consistently apply and you never hear anything back. At one point I considered giving up but I’m holding and praying knowing that everything is going to work itself out. I just have to have faith and believe in myself.
Hey Micha- I’m glad you’re hanging in there and am happy that these reminders were helpful to you. Job searching can be really rough. Keeping mentally on your game is an important factor.
That said, I’m wondering if something in your job search materials or job search strategy could use a revision. You might consider asking someone to look over your cover letter and resume to get feedback on how these materials are coming across. Also, when possible, work on making connections within the teaching community. You might attend a teaching conference or reach out to a teacher at a school you’re interested in working at to get new insights.
Basically, if you have repeated evidence that something is not working you may want to try a slightly different approach. Wishing you the best of luck, and thanks for stopping by and sharing your story!
It was a huge eye opener for me during my last round of job searching to realize that I am interviewing the organization just as much as they are interviewing me. This helped me to a) ask better and more discerning questions during the interviews about culture, managment style, etc. and b) to feel more in control and have a healthier attitude about the process. When i did get rejections, this mindset helped to me reframe the rejections in terms of “fit” as opposed to thinking of it only in terms of personal or professional downfalls on my part (I also followed up with them to get more info on why I was chosen , which helped!) And when I did start getting offers, this mindset helped me make a choice about which job to take.
I like it! That’s a very empowering perspective to take Victoria. Thanks so much for sharing it here!
For me its been a dreadful experience looking for job. I had a high flying career in banking and since being made redundant in 2012 I have been picking up any job. Unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get back to the pre 2012 roles due to 1. Having a jumpy Cv(5 jobs in 5 years) and 2. Often people say you are only as good as your last job which in my case is 5 levels below what I am capable of !!! 3 yrs of daily jobs search is a nighmare. What to do?
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time job searching. You might check out the Energize Your Job Search Challenge for tips and inspiration. http://www.energizeyourjobsearch.com/ Good luck!