Eight Ways to Be Confident in Your Job Search

Maintaining confidence during a job search can carry over into interviews.

Searching for a job, particularly in a bad economy, often times produces feelings of overwhelming anxiety and stress. Methods exist, however, for not only fighting that sense of impending doom but reversing the negative energy and building up your confidence. Keep in mind, sometimes dealing with the mental aspect of the job search remains just as important as maintaining your workplace skills.

Volunteer

Reserve some time to volunteer in your community. Public service elicits a sense of pride, confidence and purpose. It also allows you to fill any free time you may have when not searching for a job. You can add your volunteer experience to your resume or talk about it during your next interview as well.

Time Management

Treat your job search like an actual job. Just because you can sit around all day in your pajamas and robe does not mean that you should. Treat your day like a regular workday by developing a routine and sticking with it. Wake up early, take a shower and get dressed. Establish a work desk space in your home and spend the full day looking for jobs online and restructuring your resume.

Network

Try to network with people in your industry. Attend local conferences and join online groups relating to your field. You never know what sort of connections may lead to a job. Business insiders may also help you gain the latest news and knowledge pertaining to your career. Such information can fill you with confidence when on an interview.

Positive Outlook

Although it may prove difficult at times, work hard at maintaining a positive outlook. Remind yourself not to take things personally. For every rejection you receive, try sending out two or three more resumes. If you start to feel down, write a list of your strongest attributes, reminding yourself as to why a company should consider themselves lucky to hire you.

Stay Healthy

Achieve a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep, as well as maintaining personal relationships. Avoid cutting yourself off from the world by surrounding yourself with friends and family. If money becomes an issue, invite your family and friends for inexpensive activities like watching a movie at home, going on a hike or grabbing a cup of coffee.

Practice Interviews

Compose a series of standard questions you think prospective employers might ask of you during an interview, such as “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “What are some of your weaknesses?” Practice these questions often with a friend or family member until you feel confident with your answers.

Groom Your Job Skills

Never stop grooming your job skills. Take classes or online tutorials on computer programs pertinent to your field. Keep up with the competition by staying up-to-date with the latest in your industry’s technology. Make certain to update your resume to reflect your newly acquired skills and abilities.

The Perfect Outfit

Both men and women should own an outfit they feel comfortable and confident wearing to an interview, such as a power or business suit. While men should polish dress shoes and pick out a tie days before an interview, women should practice hair styles and make-up application days in advance. This will not only save time but eliminate stressful last minute decisions.

References

• Psychology Today: Drive Your Job-Search with Confident Composure