How to stay positive while you’re job hunting
Reading through job ads, preparing your resume, writing cover letters and applications, and going through interviews can take an enormous amount of time and energy. Not to mention you’re often squeezing all these activities in around your day job, family and life. And while it’s not realistic to expect every application to be successful, the deafening silence or knockbacks after submitting numerous applications can really deplete your self esteem and confidence.
So how do you keep a positive mindset while you’re job hunting?
1. Focus on your strengths - kick your negative bias to the kerb
It’s often when you’re looking for a new job that feelings of self-doubt can arise. You might tend to focus on what you perceive to be your weaknesses, rather than on your achievements, skills and talents. As you skim through the list of requirements in job ads, you might find yourself honing in on skills or qualifications that you fear you don’t have, rather than the strengths that you bring. This is your negative bias at play. We all have it, some of us more than others. Negative bias is a natural human tendency to give more weight or emphasis to the negatives of a situation than the positives.
To fight your negative bias it’s essential to know your strengths. When you understand and can articulate your strengths they will not only shine through in your job applications but also keep your mind focused on what you bring as an employee to the workplace - not on what you fear you might be lacking.
If you’re not sure what your strengths are, I recommend undertaking the Gallup Strengths Finder assessment. As an accredited Gallup Strengths Coach I help clients identify their strengths and include them in their job applications.
2. Embrace the positives of job hunting in a post-pandemic world
The COVID-19 pandemic has really shaken up the job market and the power has really shifted toward employees. Take comfort in knowing that these are unprecedented times to be looking for work and that there is so much opportunity right now. Some of the positives that have come about since the pandemic include:
more jobs being available
more opportunities for career changers
many more workplaces are offering flexible working
career gaps on your resume are less of an issue
3. Let go of any shame you may feel about your situation
Most people will find themselves job hunting at some stage. Many will need or choose to do it multiple times during their working life. It really is a normal, although not always easy, part of life.
There are lots of reasons and situations that prompt people to search for a new job including:
dissatisfaction with their current role or workplace due to pay, culture, opportunities
wanting to change career
wanting a promotion or to broaden their experience
returning to work after raising children or caring for family members
having their role with a particular employer being made redundant
looking for their first ever job
returning to work after illness
seeking a job in their chosen profession or area of study
seeking work closer to home
Job hunting can certainly bring up feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy. I highly recommend watching Brene Brown’s TED Talk on the power of vulnerability where she teaches that we need to step outside our comfort zone to achieve our goals - a new job, finding a partner, moving house or getting married.
Yes, looking for a new job and putting yourself “out there” requires vulnerability and courage but great things can happen outside your comfort zone.
4. Gather your cheer squad around you
Sharing your frustrations, achievements, fears and success with others is an important element in keeping a positive and helpful mindset. Having one or two people who listen to you, encourage you and support your job-search efforts can make a world of difference as you seek out your next job. It might be a friend, partner or colleague that understands you and your goals and cheers you on positively. Identify who this person or people are for you and aim to catch up with them regularly if possible for a coffee or by phone. There might be something they are working on in their life too so you can cheer each other on toward your goals.
Of course as a career coach I support people with their mindset and job-search strategy on a daily basis. It is an absolute joy to walk with people on this journey toward achieving their ideal job. If you’re wondering how I can help you, please call me for a free chat.
Importantly, if you feel that the stress of job hunting or feelings of anxiety or low mood are becoming difficult to manage and really impeding you achieving your goals I encourage you to talk to your GP and/or a qualified psychologist for support.
5. Practice your job-seeking story
Have you ever spoken to someone who told you that they’re taking a break, or going on a long holiday - and they make no apology for it? They just own it, and you might even feel a bit envious of them. Well, you can own your choices too, with the same dignity and confidence. The way we talk about our choices and tell our story is a very powerful element of our mindset. You control the narrative of why you’re looking for work, and I recommend always aiming to keep it positive. Here’s some examples to start you re-framing how you might be thinking about your job-search situation:
“I recently left my job and now I’m looking for a change where I can offer my talents and expertise.”
“I’m enjoying a much-needed break and my hope is that I land a job that makes me happy”
“I’ve taken some time to work on some home projects and visit family before I jump back into work.”
Practice your story with different people when opportunities arise to help you find a way to talk about your situation that feels authentic, comfortable, and supports you to think positively about it. And while you might feel comfortable to go into detail about your situation with some people in your inner circle, you aren’t obliged to explain any details to anyone if you don’t want to. Also, if you were laid off, I suggest saying “my position was made redundant” rather than “I was laid off”. The difference is subtle, but language has a powerful impact on our mindset. It’s important to remember that being laid off was a business decision and not about you personally.
6. Diversify your job search strategy
Diversifying means not just searching through online job ads all day, every day. This is exhausting and frankly does not serve you best. Around 65-70% of jobs are found through who you know, not through direct advertisements. So you need to put other strategies in play to access the “hidden job market”.
A diverse job-search strategy can look something like this:
1-2 hours per day maximum looking for and applying for jobs advertised online
This time should mostly be spent customising your cover letters and emails and potentially adding a few key words to your resume.
Start building your networking muscles
If you know anyone in the industry you are interested in, ask for just 15-30 minutes of their time and offer to buy them a coffee. Listen to their advice and take up any opportunities they offer to introduce you to other people in the industry. You don’t have to just talk about work, you can also discuss common interests. Enjoy making a connection, accept any positive encouragement they offer and thank them for their time. It’s important to remember that networking does not usually produce immediate results (i.e. a job offer), but over time can help lead you to the right people and role.
Upskill through relevant short courses
Undertaking short courses that directly relate to the type of role you are seeking can help boost your mindset and improve your chances of landing a new role. Not only will you add to and practice your skills, you will feel more proactive and up to date with the latest developments in your industry. Relevant short courses look great on your resume and may also provide you with opportunities to connect with other people in the industry. Some places to find short, low cost or free courses are:
Google
LinkedIn
Udemy
General Academy
7. Get involved in a hobby, interest, or project
While you’re job searching you need balance. Time away from your computer and job applications gives you perspective and helps you relax and replenish your energy. Many people find that when they do something different, even just going for a walk, they have some of their best and most useful ideas. When you come back to your job search activities after doing something fun or enjoyable you will be refreshed and more productive.
Give yourself permission to take time out to do things you love. Whether it’s going hiking, painting, meeting a friend for a coffee, or going to the gym. Working on a passion or home project can help you build a sense of resilience, skill and accomplishment.
I do recommend setting yourself some small goals around hobbies that involve you getting away from your couch and your computer. Sitting at the computer or on your couch all day is not great for your mental health.
If you have a longer period of unemployment, I recommend finding a way to use your skills as a volunteer. Studies show that when you help others your own well-being improves. Volunteering can not only boost your sense of purpose and achievement, but it shows that you’re a good human! Volunteering looks great on your resume and can fill job gaps. People also find jobs this way too. NSW Volunteering has a multitude of roles available and you can search across a wide range of skills and categories.
You truly are so much more than your resume. Your resume is merely a small snapshot of you written for a specific purpose and audience, and could never explain what an amazing multi- dimensional human you truly are. You are strong, and you will get through this. And trust me, this phase is not forever. You will find work!