The Right Mindset for Job-Hunting Success

Are you getting discouraged by your job-hunt?  Has all the negative attention on the economy influenced you?  You may not realize this, but the difference between finding a job or not may depend on your mindset.  Have you considered how your thoughts and feelings toward finding a job may affect your success?  It may have more impact then you realize.

Take a look at the following two scenarios and think about which one you would be more willing to help:

1. Bob – “Even though I was the best programmer at my job, they still got rid of me.  The bills are piling up and if I don’t get a job soon I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
2. Jack – “Yes, I was part of a mass layoff, but it’s been a great opportunity for me to update some of my skills.  I’m now looking forward to finding a senior programming position.”

Bob sounds like a victim who is desperate and unsure, where as Jack sounds like he has made the best of the situation and knows exactly what he wants.  Bob may gain sympathy, but Jack is more likely to find success because he is confident in his ability and clear about what he is looking for.

Having the right attitude and mindset will make you feel better toward your job-hunt which will in turn help you portray a more optimistic and confident outlook when interacting with connections and pursuing opportunities.  To improve your mindset, think about the following:

• Finding a job takes longer then it use to. It takes on average five to eight months to get a job compared to three to six months in the past.  Prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the long haul to keep yourself from getting discouraged.

• Worrying will not help you. If your mind is set on all the negative paths that come with anxiety and worry then you are more likely to ignore and discount ideas and opportunities when they come along.

• New jobs are always available no matter what condition the economy is in. You simply need to figure out where these opportunities are and that can’t be done without an open and positive mindset.

• Know that you will need to use more than one job-hunting method. If all you do is send your resume to job postings, then you are severely limiting your possibilities.  Open your mind to more methods like networking and volunteering and you will see your opportunities increase.

• You have to be clear about what you want. Clarity produces confidence and makes it easier for people to help you.  Figure out exactly what you are looking for and then tell everybody you know.

Everyone knows how tough job-hunting can be, but that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable during the process.  Work on your mindset, live your life and the opportunities will present themselves.  For more help with job-hunting, visit our Job Search tutorial in Work and Career.