Job seekers know a job search involves creating resumes and personal branding statements, as well as sharpening those interview skills.
But there’s a psychological or internal side to your job search, and it deserves your attention, as well. This is the part that keeps you motivated, confident and moving ahead when all you want to do is stop looking and start working.
You may have heard this called self-talk, and I like the way Tommy Newberry describes self talk, particularly as it relates to striving for success.
Here are five self-talk techniques to use when you feel you’re not making as much progress as you would like in your job search.
1. Try replacing the word “if” with “when.” For example, “When I land a job in marketing, I look forward to implementing a new plan of action”.
2. What you “expect with confidence” tends to materialize. As Henry Ford put it, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
3. What the mind harbors, the body expresses. Hiring managers can spot a job candidate who has struggled with a long search by their non-verbal communication. If a job candidate is still feeling resentment about a previous job, those feelings are hard to hide.
4. Refuse to take possession of anything you don’t want in your life. Attach yourself mentally and verbally to what you want.
5. Self-talk is contagious. Don’t let others contaminate your self-talk with their fear or negativity.
Pay attention to your self-talk, and stop yourself if you start down the path of unproductive thoughts. See if it makes a difference in how you feel about yourself and your job search.
