8 Ways to Build Your Confidence During a Job Search - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

8 Ways to Build Your Confidence During a Job Search Whether you’re currently unemployed, or it’s just that you’re not happy in your current job, many of us dream about switching professions and trying something different. When it comes to searching for a job, many people get nervous about whether they’re good enough for the role. Let’s have a look at eight ways to build your confidence and self-esteem when you’re looking for a job and make sure that you’re feeling positive and motivated. Ignore Your Inner Critic In many cases, some of the harshest and negative comments we every hear are ones that we make to ourselves. If you have low self-esteem, your inner critic can come out to play and lower your confidence levels just when you need it most, when you’re looking for employment. You need to remember that the voices in your head are not real, so try your best to ignore your inner critic. Have a Positive Mindset Maintaining a positive mindset will transform the way you think when finding work. Make sure to avoid negative thoughts that are circling around your brain, and never play down any of your past achievements. While it may feel uncomfortable to big yourself up, how you think on the inside will change your body language and so how you are seen on the outside. If you’re feeling confidence and positive you will project a positive and confident demeanour on the outside. In job interviews, you will want to walk in with a smile on your face and exuding confidence, so trying to see the best in everything you do will do more than just change your outlook for the better. Write Stuff Down Keeping note of your skills, and achievements will help when on the hunt for a job. This forces to you be clarify the nebulous ideas that you have in your head. Make sure that you list down all your qualities as well as why an employer should hire you for the position. While you should write down your flaws too, try not to get too hung up on them. Many people find keeping a journal helps them document their thoughts and emotions better. Get Some Exercise If you are currently unemployed and on the hunt for a job, sitting around the house all day on your laptop can take its toll (even if you are searching for work) on your mental state. Incorporating plenty of regular exercise into your routine will boost your self-esteem and provide you with tons of health benefits both physical and mental. Whether it’s going for a jog around the block or lifting weights, the more exercise you do, the better you will feel. Break a Bad Habit Being too self-critical and focusing on the mistakes you’ve made in the past are bad habits that can have a serious effect on your self-esteem and confidence. When applying for a new job, it’s time to break any bad habits once and for all. We are all capable of quitting bad habits, regardless of how addictive they may be. To do this effectively, you need to start by being fully open and honest with yourself and laying everything on the table. Training You need to be honest about your skills and fit for the roles that you are going for. If you have a skills gap before your interview is the time to address it. Where it’s learning to communicate more effectively, time management or assertiveness there are plenty of training providers out there who can help you out. A good example is Development Academy a new management and professional development business that provides a range of courses in Guildford and London. Have a Strong Support Network The job market can be very competitive, meaning it can be all too easy to lose momentum and get yourself in a rut. Who you surround yourself with can make a big difference and help improve your mood, so make sure that you have a strong support network around you filled with family and friends who are there to provide love, support, and reassurance. Don’t Give Up Being persistent and motivated to find work are key when looking for a new job. We all have down days, so if you keep getting declined for jobs, try not to let it get to you. It’s only natural that you will be hard on yourself if this happens, however, you need to remember that there are plenty more roles out there. There will be thousands of businesses out there who will be lucky to have you in their company, so whilst it can be hard to take rejection, you need to dust yourself off and get back out there. We all know how difficult the job market can be. With thousands of candidates in the same boat as you, it’s important that you do all that you can to stand out from the crowd to help you find the right role for you.