Therapy in Chester, NJ
Looking for a job is a full-time job, and it can be mentally and physically exhausting. The job hunt is a competitive and long process, and it is too easy to get discouraged. Whether this is your first job, a career change or you’re looking for a new position in your same field, the typical job search process lasts at least 1-6 months. But don’t fret! Take advantage of this time to build your resume and character while (as always) working on your self-care.
The number one question that you should be prepared to answer in an interview is…why should we hire you? You should be prepared with many, many reasons why you would be an asset to the team or company, so while you’re job searching, start thinking about your strengths. List the positive qualities you have and examples that show your successes, and continue to add to this list as you self-reflect throughout the process. This list should be engrained in your memory, not only for interviews but also for your mental wellbeing!
While it’s important to focus on your positive assets, it might be helpful to recognize something that has been a challenge for you in your career. Knowing your weakness, you can make a plan to work on it so that in an interview you are prepared to turn your weakness into a positive example of overcoming a challenge. Though it may seem counterintuitive to think about your weaknesses when you’re working on building your confidence, the ability to make a change and overcome your weakness can be quite uplifting and motivating.
If you’re searching for your first job or you’re currently not working, use your time wisely! Volunteer and get involved in your field to build your resume – and also to increase your self-confidence. By helping others and building your skills in a pressure-free environment, you’re likely to feel good about your character and feel more prepared for interviews with examples and experience. The waiting game can be disheartening, but if you’re being proactive, it might feel less like time wasted and more like a positive experience.
Similarly, it is important to remain productive and commit to your job search plan. This plan could be to apply to at least 2 jobs and spend 30 minutes networking on LinkedIn each day. Whatever you decide, follow through to the best of your ability, and then move on for the day! Again, looking for a job is a full-time job, so be proud of yourself for staying committed to working hard every day to reach your goals.
Part of your preparation for interviews should be to build your professional wardrobe. Make sure that you have options for your upcoming interview outfits that you know you will feel comfortable and confident in. When you look good, you feel good, and your confidence can shine through.
Keep in mind that this is a stressful process, so you need to treat yourself to relaxation and self-care every day – socialize, take a bubble bath, do yoga, take a day off from the hunt (but just one…), whatever will make you feel confident in yourself and energized to keep going. Confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude are key, so make sure you don’t let the job hunt break you down.
The more you prepare, the better off you’ll be for an interview, but you need to find a balance between focusing on the job hunt and focusing on bettering yourself. With this balance, the stress of the process won’t get in your way of knocking the interviewer’s socks off.
If you are having difficulty building or keeping your confidence during the job search process, I am here to help!