What are the most common challenges to job search self-confidence?

It’s important to put things into context as well. Back in 2020 when I graduated in the middle of Covid peaking, the markets were uncertain. Got over 200 rejections, each one a heart breaking experience. But it was important to look at the bigger picture - to understand if the root cause is outside of the realm of your actions. Most times it is. And in that case, the key to success is to manage your emotions. Set personal goals purely driven by your own actions and achieve them to get the sense of accomplishment (e.g. do a 5k run in less that 30 mins, finish a course in a day, etc.,). Focus on what you control.

In my opinion, a significant challenge that job seekers often face is a lack of confidence in their own capabilities and experience. Overcoming this obstacle necessitates a deep understanding and appreciation of our unique skills and accomplishments. By placing emphasis on our strengths, we can build self-assurance. As an advisor, I often stress the significance of confidence, encouraging individuals to apply for positions aligning with at least 70% of the requirements, as success in securing such positions allows for immediate engagement in a journey of continuous learning and skill development, ultimately enhancing their qualifications.

The only job that matters is the one you get. Getting turned down for a job is not rejection, it's a game, and you just lost a point. You can't be rejected when someone doesn't truly know who you are.

It can be difficult to be intentional about what job you take/apply for while you’re not working. It’s stressful. You can feel desperate and either wear rose colored glasses or try to make anything work. Neither of these things help your confidence, so staying as mindful as you can in the situation is imperative.

In my experience, clients who face these challenges can benefit from: - Understand/reflect on their own values and include them in their goal development. - Knowing their value proposition. - An accountability partner or mechanism for support, brainstorming and to provide feedback. - Most of us tend to focus on what we lack, rather than reflecting on our strengths and past successes. Reflecting on this can help us remember our value and know that we have a lot to contribute. - A growth mindset and knowing that each rejection is not a failure, but an opportunity for growth. - Filtering your job search to focus on opportunities that relate to your strengths instead of a 'might fit' job. - Knowing that upskilling helps build confidence too.

"Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security." Challenge your need for certainty! Opportunity often arises from the unexpected and having to face uncertainty in life can also help you learn to adapt, overcome challenges, and increase your resiliency. It can help you to grow as a person, and professional. Take control of your own actions and thoughts (internal locus of control). Just as planting seeds today can yield a bountiful harvest tomorrow, your actions today can shape a brighter future. "Planting" vs. "Hunting", or investing time in building connections (without expecting immediate gratification), in skills enhancement for that reason is the best job search strategy.

Uncertainty comes from a lack of belief in yourself. What role and industry are you committed to? When you have an unwavering direction, and then a set process to get there, uncertainty diminishes.

The only certain thing in life is uncertainty. While having some doubts about job search focus on your qualities and traits. No matter what they will stay with you forever.

There are many paid and free resources available to help you in your job search. ? Consider joining accountability, networking, and job search groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. ? Look for free resources on YouTube, such as resume-building, networking, and interview tips. ? Explore local community career center options, libraries, or colleges where you can find additional guidance and support.

Mentors, coaches, other (positive) job seekers are great places to receive encouragement. Also, if something isn't working there's a whole internet full of ideas, tips, tricks, etc. Go become a job search expert! Too often people don't see progress but just keep doing the same old thing.

Asking for polite feedback or even one thing to improve is more than normal. However, if you do not receive this from the employer you might consider entering dedicated groups for new ideas and support as well as going to an subject expert for individual specific feedback.

I agree that people tend to compare themselves with others especially on a platform like LinkedIn where people are celebrating th they are starting a new job. Always remember that everyone is unique. Be laser focussed on your own journey. There is a process to follow to ensure a successful job search. First ensure that you meet all basic or mandatory qualifications. If these are not met you will be 100% rejected. Ensure also that you are at least 70% qualified for the "Nice to haves." Keep demonstrating your value an a good job description and value match and you will be successful.

It’s also important to remember that job search is a competitive process. Employers make decisions to hire on based on who presents as being the least risk to the business during what can be the costliest part of the employee lifecycle. To this end, analysis of our competition is a healthy part of any job search - it’s helps us understand the requirements for the role, industry and working culture of the employer. What do our competitors have in terms of skills/education? What has been their previous working history? Are they an internal candidate (and therefore extremely difficult to beat?). This is good to know as we can then think reflexively on what we might need to do to increase our chances of achieving success.

Job-hunting solo? Yeah, confidence takes a hit. Feeling adrift, like motivation's taking a nap? That's isolation talking. The cure? Bust its bubble! Lean on your squad – family, friends, and your awesome career coach (wink wink). Surround yourself with cheerleaders, not critics. And remember, job hunting isn't your whole life. Hobbies, volunteering, even learning a new skill – feed your soul, keep the fire burning. Because a confident you is an unstoppable you, and that's the job magnet you wanna be!

Being connected is important to your confidence and your job search. So, what to do? Join groups to network and regain human contact like a service club, attend a Chamber of Commerece meeting, set up interviews with people who work at potential employers you're interested in. Volunteer where you interact with folks in your field such as: hospitals, recreation centres, theatres, school boards or child care centres. (These hit up Health, Recreation, Entertainment, Education, Child Care sectors). Take a social media night class, get your First Aid updated, have a physical with your Doctor. While volunteering is free, paying for courses does cost. However, you're investing in yourself, improving your mental health and your resume.

A couple of points: 1- preparation decision - prepare for everything you do including when searching for a new role 2- preparation know how - often we are not the best at knowing, describing our achievements. Either speak to your colleagues/friends informally or use a framework that forces you to think about your career to date with a variety of perspectives ( for example: people, process, technology) 3- if anyone else, including a recruiter thinks you can perform the role, then that’s a huge vote of confidence

One of the best ways to challenge negative thoughts is to replace them with rational ones. Make a list or keep a note of all of the things you’ve achieved so far, big or small. Then when you’re having a bad day, applying for a dream job or embarking on a new project; take your list out and remind yourself of all your accomplishments.

Challenge 7: Personal Branding Job seekers often face a significant hurdle – an inability to effectively communicate their narrative. This involves articulating their aspirations, passion, strengths, unique traits, and past achievements in a manner that is both powerful and compelling. In the ever-changing landscape of the job market, it becomes imperative for all professionals to proactively develop and refine their personal story and resume. This proactive approach ensures readiness to navigate economic fluctuations and seize opportunities that align with their career trajectory.

When you see an opportunity that you’d like to apply to, don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Instead, shoot your shot! Because rejection is far better than regret. When I speak with my career coaching clients and we discuss career goals, many fear applying to opportunities, because they may not yet have the expertise or skills. But Pan-African activist Marcus Garvey once said “if you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life", because you take yourself out of the ring (1), before the hirers get the chance to do so (2)! Give yourself a chance. See every application as an opportunity to affirm yourself and your intrinsic worth, regardless of the outcome.

Overall, no one is going to believe in yourself more than you can believe in yourself. You can get a job. You've gotten a job before. So believe you can, and don't let that belief go. It'll be with you across the finish line, right up to when you sign that contract for the new gig. You got this.

"The best way to change your future is to create it" (Dr. Joe Dispenza). This quote highlights taking active ownership over your job search, career and your future. This perspective shifts from a passive voice into an active, action-oriented movement.

Challenge 7: Personal Branding Job seekers often face a significant hurdle – an inability to effectively communicate their narrative. This involves articulating their aspirations, passion, strengths, unique traits, and past achievements in a manner that is both powerful and compelling. In the ever-changing landscape of the job market, it becomes imperative for all professionals to proactively develop and refine their personal story and resume. This proactive approach ensures readiness to navigate economic fluctuations and seize opportunities that align with their career trajectory.

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to ensure your well-being during the job search. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial for sustaining your confidence and resilience.

Consider that no application or opportunity is wasted. You may feel discouraged because applications take so much time, effort (and sometimes money), and often you hear back from only one, or none at all. Still apply. Because each opportunity presents a unique combination of skillsets, both hard and soft, portfolio areas and experience… which forces you to articulate in your mind - and hopefully on paper- what you can bring to the role and organization, and equally, how the they can contribute to you and your development. What's more - in so doing, you clarify your career goals and your holistic career objective.