Best job-hunting advice, ever

October 15, 2015

best-job-adviceMaybe it’s because we’ve been mentoring and coaching young people we know as they go after their first big, professional jobs, but it’s become evident that our job advice is exactly the same as our life advice.  Who knew? But yes, pretty much the same advice, so this applies to everyone, even if you’re not job-hunting.   I thought you, your kids, grandkids or people you know might like to hear it, because it’s born of long experience. So, here it is. Our best job and life advice.

success inevitable
Confidence is confidence-inspiring. Whether you aim to impress an interviewer or your kids, it’s all the same. Be positive. Act as though your success is just a matter of time. Because it is.

Let’s take jobs.  If you’re well-qualified for a position (and you should be, with education or some other kind of preparation), if you’ve done your networking and if you send out enough resumes with strategic cover letters, you will get interviews. If you interview enough and well, you will get a job.  It’s a numbers game, that’s all it is. A numbers game.

Most applications seem like they are going into some void, don’t they? Or so it seems. Truth is, we don’t know why we didn’t get a particular interview. Or even a particular job. If you can’t get feedback, then none of that matters. Move on. Your success is inevitable, so exude that from every pore.

It’s true of life, too. You may feel you’ve had some tough breaks–hell, you may well have. But you can turn it around. Your success is inevitable, as long as you work toward it. Remember that.

short end
There is a tendency to see everyone else as getting the long end of a stick. But there IS no short end. Even if you don’t get what you want immediately, there is always a lesson, something you can learn and carry forward to make your next move more effective. Which brings me to this:

best-job-hunting-adviceIf there’s only one key to success, this would be it. Learn from everything and bring that lesson with you to whatever you undertake thereafter.

worry no moreIt took me a long time to learn here’s nothing more unproductive than worry. As a friend who’s fighting cancer said the other day about the side effects to her chemo: “There’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t take a pill, eat something or do anything but pray. So I’m not going to worry about it. I’m just going to pray.”

In her case, prayers are the right response. And they might be in yours, as well. In any case, spinning out on worry, as in “will I get it? what if I don’t get it?” won’t help. In fact, it will stress you out so much it might be a hindrance to getting your heart’s desire.
YourMark
Make every effort to be memorable, in a good way. You can be memorable for your astonishing qualifications, for how you conduct yourself, for the things you say, the questions you ask. You can be a memorable mother or nurse or …. you name it…. in so many ways.
Adventure blog
This is it. This is the life we have on earth. We can waste our time worrying, filled with hate or fear. Or we can make each day an adventure. When you do look on life as one big adventure, it’s contagious! People want to be around you–your kids, employers, colleagues, dates.

Are you getting that it’s all about attitude? It is.  With the right attitude? Anything can happen.

Do you agree?

19 comments on “Best job-hunting advice, ever
  1. Anything can happen with confidence, a positive attitude and hope in your heart. You are right: Interviewing and life lessons have a lot in common. Who knew? I haven’t interviewed in years but now that I think about it, you’re a genius!

  2. Yeah!! Great advice and I agree about the confidence – know what you’re good at and convey that to others!

  3. This is great advice! Having an attitude like “ok, I can be a great asset for your team, so when do I start?” (but not actually saying it) can go such a long way!

  4. Joy Brown says:

    Great advice! For all! Especially need to pass on to my daughter who is post-college, TRYING to find that first job!

  5. Carla says:

    I am currently in the midst of a job search and hoping you are right about the attitude piece…

  6. Sheryl says:

    Wonderful and inspiring advice, Carol. I love it. Not just reserved for job-seekers, either…but for us, every day, all day.

  7. Sage advice, Carol, attitude is everything in life and worry for sure is a time and energy sucker!

  8. Great advice I must share with my husband—who very unexpectedly was laid off two months ago. Age compounds the challenges in seeking employment. I hope some of your tips will make a difference. Thank you.

  9. Now that I am semi-retired, I don’t have to endure the “interview.” But as an employer of young people in parks and recreation for over 30 years, I was always impressed with a candidate with confidence and enthusiasm, regardless of their skills. Skills are trainable, confidence and enthusiasm are not. A very relevant post, Carol, and I hope you can spread this message!

  10. YES, YES, and YES! Everyday is an adventure! I think I’ll go have one NOW!

  11. Keesha says:

    You are so right Carol. Confidence makes a great difference when it comes to seeking and finding a job. The fact is that no matter how gifted or talented you are, if your confidence is low, a less talented or gifted person has the edge over you in a job interview. A “can-do” attitude is your best asset for job-hunting.

  12. Sue Ellam says:

    Absolutely – nothing like confidence! You’ve hit the nail on the head.

    On another note – if your friend with cancer would like this information – I have a friend who is a naturopath who swears by Curcumin (only high grade) as a cure for cancer. If you’d like to check out his website – http://www.homecures.co.uk – you will find lots of information and he will answer any questions. This is information genuinely given for your friend, not an advertisement for mine, and I hope you don’t mind me adding it here.

  13. Quin B says:

    I totally believe it! In fact, my favorite bible verse, Matthew 21:22, speaks to it directly. It’s how I approach each day and every situation. Great post! Very uplifting. 🙂

  14. Tammy says:

    Totally agree. A good attitude is necessary for anything to succeed. A relationship, job, adventure, project-none will see it’s best outcome without it. Nicely said!

  15. Attitude impacts everything – that seems to be today’s mantra – and it is true, IMHO. There are many truths, though. Age discrimination is real. But we stand no chance if we do not believe in ourselves.

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