David Prince│How to Stay Positive During Your Job Search
David Prince is a a Human Resource professional and executive coach with over 28 years experience across a range of businesses and sectors. He currently works as People Director for the MS Society. Here he offers some great practical advice on maintaining personal wellbeing during your job search.
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Maintaining your focus and confidence during your job search is key to your well being and, ultimately, your chances of landing that job.
When I found myself out of work for the first time after a career of 40 years, I counted myself lucky to have stayed in work for that length of time. However, after such a long period of time, it hit me very hard.
I found it helped me to have a day or two to grieve. That probably sounds daft I know, but it really helped. I went through the anger, self doubt, frustration and emotion of, what really felt like, ‘losing’ my job.
Having dealt with that I vowed to only look forward. I had a routine. Every weekday I got up at 7am, and got ready as though I was going to work (minus the shirt and tie of course!) Then I hit the websites, kept my Linkedin Profile up to date, called people, arranged meetings, met people….you get the picture. I also took a walk or exercised each day too. And I always allowed myself the weekend.
I also didn’t give myself a hard time if I nipped to the shops, put on a load of washing, played with the cat or simply sat and had lunch undisturbed. I also met up with my closest friends, and this helped me maintain my positivity.
When the rejections come in, it is easy to feel it personally. The reality is that people have a certain set of criteria and probably a picture of the person they need in mind. Sometimes you won’t fit it.
So don’t let your head stop you getting the role that’s out there waiting for you.
In Summary:
- Process the loss and move on
- Have a routine
- Maintain physical activity – just getting out for a daily walk clears the mind
- Resist the temptation to take rejection personally
- Keep your focus but cut yourself some slack, too
Share your best job search tips in the comments below. Or to chat more about your own situation, get in touch.
