Weighed down emotionally and physically by an ongoing job search which has lasted for well over year? You’re not alone if you find it difficult to keep a happy face and sunny disposition. The reality is that in an age of positive thinking, sometimes happy thoughts simply aren’t enough. Below are a few tips on how to use parsimonious action when you simply can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.
- One of the holy grails of positive thinking in the job search industry is the belief that all negative thoughts should be banished to the outskirts of your mental landscape. But what happens when the reality of your job search situation seems totally bleak? Well, instead of trying to see months with no interviews as a positive thing, you might instead focus your actions on the little things in your control such as following up with employers by phone after you’ve sent a resume. Just knowing that you followed up with 10 employers this past week is enough to bring a smile to your face because you took action on those things which are in your control.
- Have you faced a string of rejects after winning several job interviews? Many inspirational gurus would suggest looking at the string of rejections in a positive light. But that can be difficult to do when that string of rejects is 20 interviews long. A better approach might be spend a few minutes dissecting why you faced those rejections and determining if there is something you can do to change the outcome. If so, come up with a strategy which might increase your chances of getting a yes instead of a no at your next job interview.
- Are you trying to move up in your career but find that your social networks are rather limited? Viewing your limited social networks in a positive light might actually do more harm than good because you probably won’t take any action to change the situation. Instead of accepting a limited social network, take the time to find good mentors and opportunities to network with those who can help you get to the places you want to go in your career.