Promoting a positive mindset during job searching is crucial. Searching for the ideal job is never an easy task to undertake and can sometimes take a lot of resilience and perseverance to succeed. There will be days when you feel that you have no more to give or that you can not see a way through the lack of responses or the rejections. By creating that positive mindset, it will give you the strength to push through the hard setbacks. Try to always look at the bigger picture and always remember that “this too shall pass” . It is merely a process that we have to go through to achieve the goals we want.? .Here are some personal strategies to help maintain a positive mindset:
- Set Realistic Goals: Define clear, achievable job search goals to maintain focus and motivation. Do not try to achieve too much in a day. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be kind to yourself.
- Maintain a Routine: Stick to a daily schedule to create structure and a sense of purpose. Small steps routinely done with compound into a bigger result. Having a routine also creates a purpose and focus on what you are trying to achieve.
- Stay Organized: Use tools like calendars and task lists to track applications and follow-ups. There are numerous apps and websites available that will help you to stay organized. Do not forget the follow ups and don’t be disgruntled by a “No”. You do not know what the situation is at that moment but things can easily change and opportunities will arise.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize physical and mental well-being through exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep. This will keep you refreshed and energized to take on the challenge as well as relieve any stress that is created by the job search process.
- Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a career counselor for encouragement and advice. Do not be afraid to speak up if you need help. If you ask for help then, generally people will be only too happy to help. Voice your concerns and frustrations to those you trust. As they say a problem shared is a problem halved.
- Learn Continuously: Develop new skills or improve existing ones to boost confidence and marketability. There is no doubt that developing/ updating existing skills or learning new ones helps. It helps to keep you motivated, focused, confident, sense of achievement, and ultimately help you to feel that you are moving forward as well as showing potential employers that you are someone with drive and who wants to improve.
- Positive Affirmations: Use affirmations to remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Some do not believe in PA but if you tell yourself positive things everyday, your mind will eventually come to believe that thought. Consistently review your strengths and capabilities and why you know that you are worthy of any role that you place yourself for.
- Networking: This is crucial!! Build connections in your field to discover hidden job opportunities and gain insights. As the saying goes, “it is not always what you know but who you know that makes the difference”. Attend events, meet with people, don’t be afraid to reach out to people on social networks. The more people you can introduce yourself to and engage with the better.?
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for achievements, no matter how minor. Little wins must always be acknowledged for the little wins often lead to the big ones. It might be as small as an acceptance on LinkedIn. It is a WIN and you need to celebrate this.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to adapting your approach as you learn from your experiences. There are many ways to engage with people and sometimes you need to think out of the box to get seen or heard. Do not be afraid to try something different. Adapt by using different strategies, e.g emails, LinkedIn, Handwritten letter, go in person. Try different approaches.?
Remember, job searching takes a lot of perseverance and can be very challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset can improve your resilience and increase your chances of success when finding your ideal job. Also, do not settle for the first job opportunity that comes along. Go for the one that rings true to you. By implementing these points will help you in your quest and journey to find your ideal opportunity.
