The job search forces us outside of our comfort zones, often into unfamiliar territory. Regardless of personality, every job seeker faces the unknown, the uncertain, and the unfamiliar.
Overcoming Fear in Your Job Search
While the job search can be an exciting time for reinvention of your career and connecting with new people and organizations, it can also involve a strong component of fear.
Why?
The job search forces us outside of our comfort zones, often into unfamiliar territory. Regardless of personality, every job seeker faces the unknown, the uncertain, and the unfamiliar.
So how does the job seeker overcome these obstacles?
Be Bold!
Success in the job search requires a level of boldness you may never have had to use. Here are some ways you can become bold in your job search:
- Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. You have no reason to be ashamed. This is your opportunity to build your support system!
- Talk to as many people in person as you can. Avoid the black hole that swallows online applications.
- Speak up for yourself. You are still a professional. Look for ways to join in discussions and events that will benefit others and yourself.
Be Strong!
A successful job seeker replenishes the mind, spirit, and body on a daily basis. You need strength for this journey! Consider the following:
- Remain positive. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to make positive choices that benefit you and your search. Read materials that inspire you and help you grow. You are what you say, so speak wisely.
- Take care of yourself. Embrace this opportunity to put yourself on a healthy eating plan and exercise regimen. Get plenty of rest. Reward yourself once a week for your hard work!
- Spend some of your energy on helping others. What you give out will come back to you, many times over. You will gain inner strength by helping other job seekers or those needier than you.
Be Confident!
The job search requires tenacity and hard work. In the past, your job probably defined you. However, now you must be confident in who you are as individual. You can demonstrate confidence in these three ways:
- Introduce yourself clearly and succinctly. Your personal commercial is crucial in helping others know who you are and what you want. Practice daily.
- Dress the part and play the role. Who is it you want to be? What is it you want to do? Spend time around those who can teach you and in the work environment you want…both virtually and face-to-face.
- Reach out to those high up in an organization. This is perfectly acceptable when done appropriately: through a connection, a group, or an informational interview. You should be making at least ten new connections a week!
While our fears can seem irrational to others, they are very real to us. Do not allow fear to hold you back from pursuing what you REALLY want to do next in your career. The worst response you can ever get is “no.” When this happens, simply walk through the next open door.
Who will be privileged enough to have you on board next? Throw away those fears and move ahead with assurance! You will be so glad you did.
