Self confidence during job search

One of the hardest things you will have to do in your adult life is to find work. Lucky you if you get an offer on your first try; for most us, however, it will take more than one, two, three or more tries before we finally nail that job. Meantime, as your search lingers, something strange starts to happen to you-with each unsuccessful try, you lose a little of that sparkle in your eye, that swing in your arms, that bounce in your step.

Indeed, staying optimistic with job debacle after job debacle can be your greatest challenge-and losing that fight your greatest undoing. Once you lose your self-confidence, you’ll lose the ability to think straight, plan ahead and act with purpose. To ensure you remain upbeat while on the prowl, follow these resilience rules:

1. Have a structured day. Just because you’re jobless doesn’t give you reason to sleep in late, watch TV in your pajamas until lunchtime then go malling the entire afternoon. You’ll feel even more depressed wasting a perfectly great day. Instead, make finding work your full-time job by following a structured routine of productive activities.
2. Set realistic goals. Accomplishment is a great motivator. Conversely, failure can deflate your already fragile ego. So shoot for goals that are realistic and feasible. Take small but steady steps forward so you’ll have the confidence to continue with your search.
3. Be good to yourself. Do something for yourself that’s fun yet inexpensive. Buy a riveting thriller on sale to entertain yourself at day’s end. Play with your dog or tend your garden. Get a new haircut-you’ll not only feel better, you’ll make a good impression with the interviewer. Don’t fall into the trap of punishing yourself for being jobless for so long.
4. Find motivation. It’s so easy to become bleak when you’re on forced work hiatus, so buoy your spirits by finding motivation where you can get it. Listen to some inspiring CDs on marketing yourself as you drive. Meet up with a caring friend who can give you a listening ear and encouraging words. Seek inspiration from the success stories of people who’ve beaten overwhelming odds in their fight against illness, business failure or unemployment. What to avoid like the plague: Naysayers and pessimists who will only drag your spirits down.
5. Have faith. Do everything you can, but remember that everything takes place at its own time. When you feel the blues coming on, calling on a higher power can give you that extra energy you need to get over the setbacks you encounter. When you believe that Someone is watching over you, you will no longer feel so alone and helpless.