How to Find a Job in Today's Job Market? The First Step - Positive Thinking

Thinking Positively

Being without work can be very stressful for both you and your family. If you have lost your job or have been made redundant you may feel many emotions including shock, anger, sadness, shame, and disappointment. If you are a returner or new to the world of work you may feel anxious as you leave behind what you know and are comfortable with, to enter a world that may seem quite alien. Just remember that it is quite normal to feel these emotions and so don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, consider the following:

• If you've lost your job or become redundant, don't take the loss too personally - it's more likely to be due to the prevailing economic climate rather than anything to do with you personally such as your performance at work. Take a little time out to grieve over the loss of your job, however, don't take too long as this will cause you to feel less motivated or even depressed. Remember that there are many people in the same position, instead of wasting your energy on what has been and what you can't change energise and motivate yourself to move on to new horizons.
• One of the reasons why job hunting can be so stressful is that it's difficult to know how to pace yourself, that's to say that you can't be sure when it will end. You could get a job straight away, in three weeks, in three months or it may take even longer. It's like being on an emotional rollercoaster, as one minute you could be riding high in anticipation of being selected for a job role, having made it through to the final stages of the job selection process, and the next minute brought back down to earth with a bump when the rejection letter lands on your doormat. So acknowledge this and make sure that you take time out of your job hunting, perhaps one day off per week to do something that you enjoy.
• Get rid of negativity. Switch off from all the negative commentary that you hear and read in the media - remember that doom and gloom sells papers. Forget about stats and headlines - good people get good jobs. Try to associate with positive people and protect yourself from all types of negativity. A job search can be a big undertaking and you can't afford to be exposed to the negativity of others, whether it comes from friends, family, or the media. Read books and articles which motivate, encourage and inspire you such as: 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change' by Stephen R. Covey.

5 Ways to Stay Positive During Job Search

1. Look after your physical self - it's easy to slip into unhealthy ways such as eating, drinking and smoking too much due to increased stress levels or boredom.
2. Look after your mental self - stay in contact with people and talk it through. It's also really good for you mentally to talk things over as bottling things up can blow the problem out of all proportion;
3. Read books and articles that motivate, encourage and inspire you.
4. Focus on the progress you're making and try to be resilient.
5. Be kind to yourself, job-hunting is emotionally draining and you will most likely have good days and bad days when your productivity is low. Manage stress with relaxation exercises, meditation, and self-esteem building activities.

So, to recap, make sure that you look after your mental and physical well being when job hunting - get some exercise, plenty of sleep and eat healthy meals. Remember that positive action diminishes anxiety and other negative feelings and that if you get depressed it will show itself in both body language and tone of voice and this will greatly reduce the likelihood of a successful interview.

BY Jan Hyde