APU Careers Careers & Learning

Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Young Woman Shouting Through MegaphoneBy Jill Kurtz
Online Career Tips Editor

It is easy to begin to lose confidence in yourself during a job search. Unanswered applications, dead-end leads, and unreturned calls can all lead you to question whether you really have the right skills. If you are questioning your qualifications, it is hard to write a convincing cover letter or perform well in an interview. Such doubt can undermine the energy and confidence you need to find your next job, so it may be time to give yourself a pep talk so you can be your own best advocate.

Here are some ways to boost your confidence and your focus:

Read your resume. If you are starting to doubt what you have to offer, read your own resume. Remind yourself of all that you have accomplished. Refresh yourself on the details of what you can bring to your next position.

[Related: Job Search Strategies That Will Make or Break You]

Do something (anything) you enjoy. Take a break from your job search to do something that is fun. It can be career related or completely unrelated. The goal is to smile and feel happy. That positive experience will spill over into every aspect of your life, including your job search.

Troll for compliments. Reach out to people you respect for advice on your job search. In the course of offering advice, they are sure to remind you of your strengths and what you have to offer. Sometimes, it’s just good to get some praise.

Learn something new. Look for an opportunity to learn something that you can add to your next application. Look for a course or certificate program that can make you more marketable. The process of learning will be sure to boost your confidence in your ability to tackle any challenge.

[Related:Signs That Your Job Searching Skills Are a Little Rusty]

Don’t let your job search get you down. If you find that you are counting yourself out on opportunities rather than giving your all to the application process, take the time to step back and give yourself a pep talk to rebuild your confidence. You, at your best, are the most important ingredient in a successful job search.

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