Positivity is something I preach regularly on this blog. That is, while joblessness can be seen as a function of the state of the economy or perhaps a reflection on one’s qualifications, I regularly promote the idea that a key to finding a job is genuine enthusiasm and positivity. Someone’s ability to find a job (in combination with a number of different factors), can hinge on whether they allows their status as “jobless” to define them. Something not addressed quite as readily, however, is how to stay positive—what steps you can take to be and remain positive, even when things do not seem to be going your way.
Career guru extraordinaire Lindsay Olson recently laid out seven helpful “ways to stay positive during your job search,” each of which could help even the most downtrodden of job seekers stay positive.
- “Take responsibility.” While it may be difficult to choose to stay positive when faced with a seemingly perilous job search, this, Olson says, is precisely what job seekers must do. “How you decide to react to any situation in a job search is up to you.” While Olson’s tip may overstate our ability to police our emotions, at its heart, Olson’s tip seems to ring true—keep your eye on the prize.
- “Reward yourself.” Celebrating small successes, recommends Olson, is an excellent way to “keep you focused on the overall goal.” Even if it’s only an interview or a “second round interview,” recognizing and celebrating these small successes could improve your overall outlook.
- “Surround yourself with positive people.” Philosophically speaking, there’s a word for someone whose decisions, aims, and the trajectory of their life are completely of their own making—an unencumbered self. Unfortunately, this idea fails to appreciate fully the role that those around us have in what kind of life we should lead, or how we should choose our aims. The truth is, as Olson rightly points out, “negativity is infectious”—how we feel or see life can be directly linked to how those around us may feel or see life. In light of our communal disposition, it is important that you surround yourself with people who will support you and keep you positive through their own positivity!
- “Set goals.” Olson suggests treating your job search like a full-time job—create a schedule, “track you progress,” and have a definite sense of “where you are heading.” By doing this, you will have “a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.”
- “Find time to do things you enjoy.” As you would if you were working full-time, it is important that you find something to offset the time you are spending searching for a job. Find a new hobby, for example. What is important, however, is that you find something you intrinsically enjoy. Doing so will allow you to de-stress and experience feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment.
- “Consider exploring a cause you are passionate about through part-time volunteer work.” I have a family member who recently decided to use her extensive skills in a volunteer setting. As Olson suggests, it not only allowed her to lead a more organized life, but also allowed her to make connections and continue to build her professional network.
- “Focus on the long-term benefits of a job search.” Olson recommends that job seekers see the job search as a “career-enhancing” experience, recognizing that while an interview may not lead to a new job, they could help to broaden your professional network and build connections that could prove helpful in the future.
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