Searching for a job is similar to participating in a sport. When the final game of the year rolls around, the team players pump each other up. Motivation is running high and everyone knows they can beat the pants off the other team. This is the same type of attitude one must have when entering the job market. Use the four tips below to assist you during your next job search.
1. Focus your attention on finding the job you want.
Often times job hunters will enter the job market not knowing exactly what type of position they want. They will spend endless hours interviewing for positions that they no nothing about. The beginning of the job hunting process should begin with you defining what you want to do. Choose a job objective and then research the market to determine the companies that require that service. Doing your homework upfront will prevent you from wasting time.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
The worst thing that a job seeker can do is surround themselves with negative people. During this time in your career you should remain positive. If someone is constantly pointing out negatives about you or reminding you of your deficiencies you will never gain the confidence needed to get a job.
3. Don't waste time pondering over negatives.
So what...you didn't get this particular job. Don't give up. Remember, Rome was not built in a day. The worst thing you can do is discourage yourself from trying again. The time you spend concentrating on why you did not get a particular position can be better spent on networking or researching another industry for possible employer prospects.
4. Concentrate on what you can do.
If you focus on what you're convinced you can't do, you won't notice what you can do. When reviewing a position, chances are you will not have every single qualification listed on the posting. Employers realize that candidates will not meet each and every qualification. You should highlight those qualifications that you do have and remember that company specific education can be obtained with on the job training.
To help remember these four tips, relate them to football. For example, during the last quarter of a football game: The quarterback has to be focused on winning the game. His team members are counting on him. He can not think about mistakes made in the last three quarters. His thoughts are only on winning the game before the fourth quarter ends.
John Jordan Jr.