Okay, admit it. You hate job-hunting. Lots and lots of people feel that way. In fact, I think I'm a lone soldier because I actually like job hunting. Too often discouraged job hunters project their gloomy, depressed attitude to those around them.
Melinda Howard Erickson, CEO of Emick, Howard, and Seibert, a prominent Seattle architecture and interior design firm, and author of "How to Work Smart and Enjoy Your Job," (2003, www.theworksmartbook.com), says, "The top candidates I hire are concerned about excelling on the job. They exude an eagerness and enthusiasm about their work, talent and abilities. Qualifications are important but also a key ingredient is a confident, "I can do it" attitude. In fact, I hired a man a few weeks ago and he had the greatest attitude. He was unemployed, but not undetermined."
"Your attitude is entirely decided by no one other than you," notes Howard-Erickson. "To develop a good attitude, first filter information you receive. Instead of complaining or saying 'I don't know how,' or 'I don't know if I can,' you say, 'I haven't done it, but I'll figure out how.' This inspires employers to rely on you to grow and makes you more visible for promotion."
Some other strategies include:
- Listen to positive motivational tapes. Rock and Roll, or uplifting music is great and can raise your spirits and get you ready for an important interview. Listening to inspirational words each morning can make your whole day brighter, more positive and productive.
- Avoid natural complainers. "Negative people," notes Howard-Erickson" tend to try to bring you down, and diminish your value, but they can only do that if you let them." It is too easy to buy into complaining. The more you think bad or down thoughts, the more negative you'll feel. Instead, use self-talk to build yourself up, saying "I'm good at this," or "I'm smart, I can learn this," or "I'm capable, I can do that." Use any affirmation that supports your positive confident attitude, Howard-Erickson suggests.
- CEOs often sell a great attitude. Role-model from the top. Set goals, offer new ideas, demonstrate a positive outlook, and show initiative by taking on problems that you can resolve. Visualize success for yourself, your job, your work, and your future. Thinking about success really does create it.
Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America's top career coach. She is the best-selling author of: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Winning Resumes; Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker. Robin's passion is helping people find better jobs which she successfully does through her career counseling practice where she offers individual career coaching and resume writing services. A popular national speaker, Robin has spoken to over a thousand audiences on improving their lives and obtaining greater success. To purchase products or contact Robin visit her Web site at www.robinryan.com.
Leave a comment