No matter what stage of the job hunt you’re in, I tell everyone the same thing: avoid negative thoughts at all costs.
I have a different outlook on job searching than most people. I believe that job hunters should rejoice in the moments of rejection. As a career coach, I like to show my clients the endless opportunities that follow this rejection. It’s all about perspective.
People approach me for help during various stages of the job hunting process. Some clients have been on the hunt for months--even years--without a promising lead, but I’ve also had people come to me before they even start to search.
Many people don’t realize they’re taking a negative approach to their job search, because a cynical attitude often comes naturally. When past career endeavors have failed, one is prone to think “I only have one more chance” or “If I mess up this time I’m doomed.”
If you catch yourself struggling in the optimism department, here are four reminders why a positive perspective is key to finding the job you love.
Cynicism is an all-too-cozy mindset.
Without a doubt, it is easier to maintain a pessimistic outlook than it is to actively stay positive while you search for your next job.
We are creatures of habit. When you constantly choose a cynical approach to your job search, the thought process will become much harder to break.
Plus, negative thinking can actually lead to a false sense of security. If you’re the type to assume it won’t work out whenever you take a chance, then you may start to become comfortable with failure.
Shift your perspective. When you don’t get hired, list all the ways you learned from that interview or that phone call. This way, you’re always preparing for the job you’re truly meant to have.
Getting turned down is a good thing.
I promise you this: the job listings that you get super excited over were not all “made” for you. Maybe some job descriptions fully align with your past work experience, or a company’s motto has been your personal philosophy for years. But that doesn’t mean you should let your imagination run wild.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
The next time you fall in love with the idea of a job and the employer doesn’t offer you the gig—guess what? You’ve been blessed with a wonderful learning opportunity! Instead of letting the rejection shape your self-image, let it pump you up for the moment when you actually do find the job you were meant to have.
Negative thinking hurts your mind.
Not only will a negative attitude put a toll on your search for the right job, it could also get in the way of your long-term happiness and health. Studies show optimists are twice as likely as pessimists to have healthy hearts, and they lead much less stressful lifestyles.
Shift your mindset and stop worrying about the impending future. I constantly notice my pessimistic clients start to suffer from anxiety because they always expect failure and disappointment.
Here’s a tip to eliminate the stress that could lead to bad health or unhappiness:
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
You’ve heard the saying before, but it deserves to be repeated when you find yourself in a whirlwind of worrying. Instead of stressing over your next interview, or dreading rent day, relax and embrace positive self-talk to eliminate those fears.
Your positive thinking matters more than your job history.
As much as you may think your resume makes or breaks your opportunity to get hired, it’s not the most important factor.
While past work experience may qualify you for specific job roles, employers are always seeking out achievers and motivated performers. If your past experience is limited, but you walk into your interview with an optimistic, confident energy, people will notice.
Don’t limit yourself to the text on your resume. Lacking experience in a field should not invite you to start doubting your chances of getting hired. Channel your positivity, be energetic and resourceful, and employers will be excited to recruit you.
It isn’t always easy to keep a smile on your face during the trials and errors of the job search. When you feel a negative thought approaching, stop and tell yourself this: the perfect job for you is out there. As long as you stay positive, you will find it.
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