You need confidence for every aspect of your job search.
Confidence is one thing that is needed throughout the entire job search process. Without it, it’s difficult to be hopeful, optimistic and motivated to do all the necessary things to get the job you want.
Your confidence took a massive hit when you were involuntarily separated from your employment. Anything less than success takes a toll on your confidence. Other factors include length of time in the job search, and not hearing back after submitting a résumé or interview.
Why you need confidence
Every aspect of the job search requires confidence. Networking to negotiating the compensation you deserve relies on your ability to confidently convey your value sincerely and naturally.
- Networking—it takes courage to go up to strangers and start a conversation.
- Creating a résumé and cover letter—requires you to extol your accomplishments using powerful and persuasive words. Saying you think you are a good fit isn’t very convincing.
- Interviewing—you need to prove how you are the best candidate using words, positive body language, appearance and demeanor.
- Salary negotiations—you need to be able to prove your worth to the company and why you deserve more than their first offer.
Here are 10 ways you can gain confidence for your job search
1. Write down your accomplishments—all of them. Not just career related, include any you have had as a parent, volunteer and civic activities and training. You will be amazed to see what you have do
2. Connect with people who believe in you—their faith in you will rub off on you. Stay away from people who drag you down.
3. Volunteer—it gives you a positive feeling when you have done for someone else. And it will keep your skills sharp, possibly learn new skills.
4. Offer to do things for others—this is what networking is all about, building trust and a mutually beneficial relationship. Having a network of people you can count on fosters your confidence.
5. Positive self-talk—no one will believe in you if you don’t believe in you. Practice saying things to yourself that you want to hear and reverse the negative thoughts that pop into your head.
6. Visualize your success—think of yourself as a success. Fake it until you make it. Be the person you want to me and make it happen. Visualize every action, sight, smell, taste, sound connected with your success. It will happen.
7. Understand the job search process—don’t take things personally. If you didn’t hear back from the recruiter or didn’t get the job, it’s not about you. Someone else was a better fit for the role and culture.
8. Make time for learning and personal growth—take on the challenge of learning something new and feel the sense of accomplishment when you are successful at it. It doesn’t have to be something complicated, just something you are interested in and would like to try.
9. Thoroughly prepare for your interview—research the company and rehearse the answers to typical interview questions. Have someone to ask you the questions and give you feedback on your answers. Work on any weaknesses you have.
10. Work on your interpersonal skills—practice conversational skills by listening carefully, and using appropriate eye contact. Join Toastmasters to learn how to talk to groups comfortably. If you are comfortable talking to a group, it will help you when there is only one or two people.
Your confidence is critical to you job search. It will take time and some work to increase your confidence, but the results will be well worth the time and effort.
