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.

Job Search – Learn the latest methods for conducting an effective job search including how to approach finding a job, where to look and how to organize your leads.  We also show you how to efficiently search online job postings and how to use the latest social media tools for networking.  This tutorial will provide you with the inside information, resources and advice that will have you confidently pursuing your next job.

Career Planning – Smart people understand that career success often comes from thinking beyond just getting a job.  They take the time to figure out their needs and how they can approach the job market in order to meet their needs.  Even if you are currently employed, you can benefit from visiting our Career Planning course to map out your future success.

Interview Skills – Sometimes it is the small details that determine whether you are able to convey your ability to do a job into convincing others that you are the right person for the job.  Learn to impress with the preparation, communication and follow-up skills that will lead to a job offer.

Keep checking back as we continue to update Work and Career with the latest strategies and resources to help you with your career.

1. JobHuntersBible.com – This website from the “Father of Job-Hunting” Richard Bolles has a wealth of resources, but I would first recommend reading his annually updated guide “What Color is Your Parachute?” to learn the real secrets and best methods for finding a job.
2. Occupational Outlook Handbook – This website, from the Department of Labor, offers detailed information on hundreds of jobs including the skills and training needed, the future outlook of a job and what working conditions are like.  If you are looking for information about a particular job or career then this is the site to go to.
3. Salary.com – Whether you are simply researching a possible career or preparing for a job interview, every job-hunter should be knowledgeable about salary.   This site allows you to search the average earnings for the title, level and location of a job you are interested in.  It will even give you an estimate of what your weekly paycheck might be.
4. Job-Hunt.org – Just like the JobHuntersBible.com, this is a gateway site for finding resources and learning how to conduct a job search.  It includes articles, advice from the experts and strategies to assist the average job-hunter with staying up-to-date on the latest trends, methods and resources.
5. LinkedIn – As the most popular and rapidly growing social network for business, LinkedIn allows you to make online connections with other professionals.  This increases your ability to network which is generally considered the best way to find a job.  Before you create your professional online profile make sure you become familiar with issues regarding privacy.
6. Mashable - The use of online social media sites to network and find a job is quickly becoming the norm, but you may be feeling clueless about what these sites are and how you are suppose to use them.  Mashable is an online guide to social media.  It can help you utilize and make sense of the latest trends and strategies for using sites like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
7. Indeed.com – Unsure about which of the thousands of job posting sites you should use to search for a job.  Use Indeed.com instead.  Based on your search criteria, it pulls job postings from all the other job posting websites, making it easier and much more convenient to manage and apply to jobs.  You can even have a personalized job alert sent to your email on a regular basis.

For additional help, stay tuned!  We will be releasing a newly updated Job Search topic next week, but for now you can visit our Work and Career page for advice and tips.

Are you sure your interview outfit is making a winning impression?  You may think you look just fine, but when it comes to a job interview every detail of your appearance counts, including your grooming choices.  Here are five common mistakes that you should be aware of when dressing for an interview.

1. Wearing clothing that fits poorly – An outfit that does not fit well, can leave the interviewer with the impression that you are not accustomed to dressing appropriately or that you simply do not care enough to dress well.  Loose clothing can look sloppy and the discomfort of tight clothing can be very distracting.  Make sure your attire fits you well, especially when you are sitting down.
2. Wearing clothing that is too revealing – Skirts that are too short are a common problem for women and can be deemed unprofessional by an interviewer.  Always sit down in your skirt to make sure it has enough leg coverage, especially if it has a slit.  In addition, your top should not be too sheer, low-cut or sleeveless.
3. Wearing too much jewelry – Clanking bracelets, multiple rings and dangling earrings can be very distracting to an interviewer.  Women should wear 2-3 minimal, conservative pieces of jewelry.  Men may also want to avoid earrings.
4. Ignoring your feet – A great outfit can be ruined by a poor choice of footwear.  It can also give the impression that you do not pay attention to the details.  Men should wear dressy, dark, polished shoes with matching dark socks.  Women should wear dressy, closed shoes and should avoid high, overly-sexy or strappy heels.
5. Making risky grooming choices – You can really make a statement with your choice of hairstyle, make up and fingernails.  Just make sure the statement does not have the potential to turn off your interviewer.  It is best to choose styles that are minimal and professional.

The above may not seem like a big deal, but you do not want to leave the interviewer with a doubtful impression about your judgment, capabilities and ability to fit in.  For more examples and details on how to dress for an interview, visit our Interviewing Skills topic.

Be sure to check out all of our other Career topics.

What is Your Body Language Saying in an Interview?

Now that you are aware of the importance of body language you may be wondering “How can I improve it?”

Try recording yourself on video or practicing with a friend who can give you feedback.  Do you frown when you are thinking, or fidget with your jewelry or nervously bounce your leg?  Take some time to work on reducing any unflattering mannerisms or nervous habits you may exhibit.  Your awareness alone will help you improve.

Realize also, that body language reflects your true thoughts and attitude, therefore the real secret to portraying good body language is to actually approach an interview with confidence and positive thoughts about your abilities.  The more positive you feel toward an interview, the more appealing your body language will appear.

To learn more, visit our Interview Skills topic in Work and Career.

1. Do your job.
To ensure you’re doing your job, make sure you understand all the duties assigned to you. Upon beginning your job, your employer should provide you with a list of job duties and on-the-job training. Ask questions, and find the most efficient ways to perform your job. When you make a mistake, learn from it rather than repeat it. Refer to your list of job duties from time to time to stay focused. If you take pride in what you do, you’ll make yourself – and your employer – happy.

2. Follow the rules.
Read and understand your employer’s policies and procedures manual. It’s your duty to learn and follow your employer’s rules and regulations. Refer to it when you have questions. If you can’t find an answer, ask your supervisor. You’ll decrease your chances of careless mistakes.

3. Be courteous.
A self-confident attitude, a smile, and a friendly word go a long way towards establishing strong working relationships with your supervisor, coworkers, and customers. Make an effort to be friendly, but realize you are there to work and not to socialize. A sense of humor is usually appreciated, but always maintain a professional attitude.

4. Be a team player.
In a team atmosphere, be an active listener. Your supervisor and coworkers will feel you value their opinion. However, don’t be afraid to share your knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm. Employers want employees who take initiative, follow instructions, respond well to constructive criticism, and cooperate. Make it a point to attend meetings and company-sponsored social events.

5. Find a mentor.
Find an experienced coworker who can serve as your mentor. Mentors help nurture your career–they may give advice, make suggestions, increase your access to senior management, and are often good listeners. To find a mentor, first identify your weak areas. Then, identify individuals who are strong in those areas, those whose careers you admire, and those who have access to senior management. Begin by being friendly, ask advice from time to time, and slowly build your relationship. If you have trouble finding a mentor, consider joining a professional organization.

For more information about increasing your chances of workplace success, check out GCFLearnFree.org’s self-paced course, The Workplace. And be sure to check out all of our career related topics on our Work & Career page.