A Job Search Can Feel Very Hopeless and Lonely
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Interviewing with no second interviews or offers coming in begins to wear thin - very fast. If you've been in a job search for more than a few weeks you may be experiencing the feelings of defeat, despair, and hopelessness, not to mention the urge to give up. It's been a tough year, and then some, for those who have lost jobs for whatever reason.
Work hard to keep your spirits up when you're feeling down during this process.
1. Don't give up on the process.
Some of these stories have been repeated many times, but they remain inspirational.
Herb Cain began his journalism career in 1938 writing for the San Francisco Chronicle. 58 years later he received a special award from the Pulitzer Prize board.
Johnny Mathis a George Washington High School graduate became a star athlete at San Francisco State College with his high-jump record. He later achieved three Grammy awards for his singing ability.
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse series failed to become an instant hit, but he kept trying and in 1928 he added sound and made it an electrifying success.
Herb Cain began his journalism career in 1938 writing for the San Francisco Chronicle. 58 years later he received a special award from the Pulitzer Prize board.
Milton Hershey failed several businesses before he became the "Chocolate King" and built Hershey town. He even went bankrupt in his first business venture.
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all." ~~ Dale Carnegie
The challenge is to pick yourself up after a failure and move forward. That is what will set you apart from "the pack." These great "successes-after-failure stories" couldn't have happened if these people hadn't continued to pursue their dreams. Anyone can give up -- that's easy!
2. Network, network, network! It is important to continue to get "out there"
Job opportunities can come your way at the most unusual time and place. Study after study published continues to indicate that "networking" is still the number one way to land a job. Take advantage of every opportunity to be with groups of people. This encompasses everything from your child's soccer game to a Chamber of Commerce event. Don't forget to use the social networking sites available online to reconnect with your colleagues and those with common interests. Sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Be sure to be very professional when using these sources.
Be realistic - you aren't going to get a job offer after every interview. Think of it this way, you didn't marry every date you ever dated (at least most of us didn't), and you aren't going to get a job offer after every interview. And maybe that's a good thing, at least some of the time. Remember, you are interviewing "them" as much as they are interviewing you.
3. There are going to be ups and downs
Accepting the fact that this is a stressful time you are going through and that a great deal of it is out of your control will help you put things into perspective. It's not unusual to have highs and lows during your job search. Some days you may even feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Everything looks hopeful one moment with a job prospect ahead, and then it changes to dark and dismal in the next moment when you receive a rejection.
4. Work on controlling stress
Remember, you are interviewing "them" as much as they are interviewing you. It is very disappointing when you feel like you "aced" the interview and then wait for the promised call that never comes. Be realistic - you aren't going to get a job offer after every interview. Think of it this way, you didn't marry every date you ever dated (at least most of us didn't), and you aren't going to get a job offer after every interview. And maybe that's a good thing, at least some of the time.
5. Don't wait until you get the call to prepare yourself for the interview
Take advantage of every opportunity to be with groups of people. Networking in person and using the many online social networking sites available to get acquainted and re-acquainted with past colleagues and new contacts is extremely important in the these competitive times. This encompasses everything from your child's soccer game to a Chamber of Commerce event and Facebook and LinkedIn.
Don't forget about trying out some social networking online - places like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with past colleagues and contacts.
6. Prepare yourself for the job interview
You want to let the interviewer know that you are the "solution to their problem," and the best person for the job. Preparing ahead of the job interview will give you a definite advantage. What this means is getting focused about what you want the interviewer to know about you. You are presenting a picture of you with words. It is important to identify what makes you unique and what added value you can bring to the position. Reading through the job posting you are applying for and getting a sense of what it will take to do this job will help you look at the process from the interviewer's point of view.
7. Keep in mind - you are not alone
Remember, it is an extremely tight job market and that for every job opening there are four or five equally qualified candidates standing in line behind you. It is essential that you are prepared, focused, and able to tell the interviewer what makes you unique and why you are the best person for the job.
When you begin to give into the dark side, you will project that to others. You want to stay as upbeat as possible, particularly while interviewing. Keeping upbeat is a part of your job right now. Bringing confidence and energy to the interview are the two most important ingredients to connecting with the interviewer.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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