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Staying Positive In Your Job Search
by Susan Luff Chritton

Your job search can create mixed emotions of both excitement in creating a new future and the fear of the unknown. Following a few simple principles can help you through the job search process. Begin by changing your attitude from panic of not having a job to enthusiasm for the changes in your life. An upbeat attitude always attracts more into your life than a beaten down one and finding a job is no exception.

1. Do something nice for yourself-Once a week, for at least 2 hours, take yourself on a date alone. Your date could involve taking a hike along a trail, going to a movie matinee, browsing in a bookstore, going to a daytime ball game, or anything you enjoy but don't usually take the time to do. You may worry that you don't have the money to spend on a date. Look around and be creative, there are many free things to do if you are open and seek them out.

2. Don't isolate yourself-Take a class, join a job support group, meet with a friend on a regular basis, volunteer to work at your local food bank. The job search is an easy time to isolate yourself. Don't!!!! You'll find your spirits are much lighter if you keep yourself socially active.

3. Talk to people that you normally wouldn't-Ask different people about their work, strike up a conversation at the grocery store, and take time to develop or reconnect with a network. Networking is not only a great job search tool; it is also a way to genuinely listen to what others do with themselves in the world. You may be surprised where your next job lead comes from.

4. Expose yourself to what you don't know-Your job search will follow what you know. Now is a time to expand your horizons and learn about what others do beyond your scope of reference. By exposing yourself to new areas, you will expose yourself to more opportunities.

5. Keep a journal- keeping a journal, as painful as this sounds, is a superb way to express yourself in a private place. It is a place to let go of your frustrations and a safe place to first expose a wild idea. Research has shown that job seekers who journal will land a new position sooner and more successfully. Keeping a journal gives you a forum of expression to think out what you really want in your future and what has frustrated you in the past. Committing your thoughts to paper can have an amazing impact in your ability to move forward towards the life you want to create. Motivate yourself by buying some colored pens and writing paper or a journal. Brew a cup of coffee, find a comfortable chair and write. Early morning is best as your mind is clear, but anytime of the day will work.

Above all believe in yourself as a competent, capable person, knowing that the right position is also looking for you.

Susan Chritton is a Career Counselor in Walnut Creek where she works with individuals and organizations during times of transition.


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