It’s been said the most stressful endeavors in life are getting a divorce, buying a house, and having a baby. Anyone currently in the job market would add “looking for a job” to that list, and would probably put it at the top.
Too often a job search requires you to build your confidence and put yourself out there only to be rejected and have your confidence destroyed.
In some ways, it’s worse than high school dating. But it doesn’t have to be.
That’s why we’ve gathered some nuggets of inspirational job search wisdom and provided some tips to help you with your strategy to achieve your job search and career goals.
Fix yourself – your resume, your goals, your attitude.
No matter where you are in your job search, treat today as a starting point. Refresh your goals and your resume, and while you’re at it, check your attitude.
Job Search Inspiration #1
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Alexander Graham Bell
Start your job search strategy with a positive attitude. The new year is the perfect time to let go of the frustrations from the past and focus dead ahead.
Job Search Inspiration #2
“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” Theodore Roosevelt
Showing confidence is half the challenge – being confident in yourself is the other half. Believe you can do the job and you might be surprised at what you can actually do.
Build your network.
You hear this all the time – use your network in your job search strategy. One of the best ways to find a job is by reaching out to the people who know you. A word-of-mouth recommendation from someone in your network can outweigh the most perfect resume or even an imperfect resume.
Job Search Inspiration #3
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Milton Berle
By networking you are creating the possibility of more opportunities.
But be wary of who you gather in your corner.
Job Search Inspiration #4
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too can become great.” Mark Twain
Be sure to align with the people who have a positive attitude, and who will build you up.
Do something every day.
Job Search Inspiration #5
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great” Zig Ziglar
Begin repeating the mantra to yourself now – “I will do something every day in my job search.” Then give yourself a starting date and when it comes, just do it.
Job Search Inspiration #6
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart
Make this the number one task in your job search strategy. By doing something every day you’ll push yourself to keep at the search until an opportunity breaks.
Take chances
Job Search Inspiration #7
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky
Whether you’re looking for your first job out of college, or looking to change careers, or just wanting to change jobs, this is your chance to take a chance. Putting yourself out there gives you permission to try things you wouldn’t normally do. And, taking chances is how you succeed.
Don’t give up.
Job Search Inspiration #8
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge
Do something every day, keep at it, don’t give up. We’re saying the same thing over and over, but the truth is that action over inaction is what will help you ultimately be successful.
Job Search Inspiration #9
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Thomas Edison
It’s never too late.
Job Search Inspiration #10
”The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb
No matter how old or young you are, you can fall victim to the “It’s too late” cry. But it’s never too late. If you do some research you’ll probably find several people have started later than you are and still got that job, or made that change.
Remove the words “it’s too late” from your job search strategy.
Approach today as a starting point and approach your job search with fresh eyes and a new attitude.
About the Author: Michelle Dumas
