What are your beliefs about finding a job?

You have the power to control how you deal with challenge, adversity … stuff that happens in life, including a job search. There are always things beyond your control. The power lies in your belief system. No magic; just your perception. Nothing else has to change for things to change.

Same glass but your call

There’s an old idiom: “Is your glass half full or half empty?” It’s a great example of how people perceive events and situations. If you have the same glass, same amount of liquid in it, the view will be yours. Your beliefs will affect how you think! Your thinking will affect how you respond. And that could make all the difference!

Client transformations

I recently took a look through last year’s notes for clients whom I have coached in their careers—these specifically in job search mode. I thought it would be fun to pull out some beliefs they turned around; and to a person, it positively impacted their outcomes. Here’s what I like to call their beliefs conversion collage. No names to protect their privacy; but all quotes are from their mouths:

  • OLD: “We’re in a recession. There are no jobs out there.”

NEW: “Times are tough. That said, if I work hard and smart, there are lots of opportunities waiting for me.”

  • OLD: “I had a great salary. It’s going to be next to impossible to find another job that will pay me what I earned then.”

NEW: “I know the value and contributions I can bring to an employer. I’ll leverage this to land the compensation I want in no time.”

  • OLD: “It’s going to take a long, long time to find a new job.”

NEW: “I will land a job fairly quickly with the right strategies, tools and action.”

  • OLD: “I want to keep my job search on the low-down. It’s humiliating and hard.”

NEW: “Where doors close, they open. This job search is going to be an adventure that makes me stronger and more confident. With this confidence, I’ll enlist my family, friends and others to support my efforts.”

  • OLD: “My resume will be general to cover all bases. It’s only beneficial to maybe getting my foot in the door anyway.”

NEW: “My resume will be a powerful marketing document that sets me apart from the competition. The process in its development will increase my confidence and ability to sell myself in networking and interviewing situations.”

  • OLD: “An interview is just an interrogation where I am under the microscope, tested and judged. I really hate that.”

NEW: “An interview is a friendly conversation to determine fit on both sides. It’s also great continued practice in exploring what organizations need and where I shine, or areas I may want to strengthen.”

  • OLD: “I will take it day by day and wing it.”

NEW: “If I fail to plan, I can plan to fail. I’ll set up a feasible action plan with realistic goals and timelines.”

  • OLD: “I’m scared of networking, and can’t imagine where to begin.”

NEW: “I know lots of people. I’ll start with a list of 50. I’ll contact them by phone. I’ll get involved on LinkedIn. I’ll ask questions when I need help from those who know. This could actually be okay.”

This isn’t about easy. It is about self-fulfilling prophecy. You know … that mantra where negative beliefs influence negative. And vice versa. If your belief system is not serving you well, not producing positive results, then I can help. You can’t change the economy or job market. But you can navigate your job search framed around your belief system. It’s your choice to take this job search seriously as a job in itself. Let’s work together to get back your power!

 

Photo:  Cali4beach

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