Habits to Help Your Job Search

by Jun 4, 2018

Very few would tell you that a job search is ever totally easy; most would say that there’s a lot of effort that goes into finding a position that’s a good fit for you. However, there comes a point where you have to wonder if you’re doing something that’s hindering your search, maybe even something you’d think has nothing to do with finding a job.
In her article, Jessica Leigh Lyons identifies some lifestyle choices that may be affecting your job search more than you think.
  • Skipping your workout: Exercise, even just going for a walk or a yoga class, raises your endorphins and makes you more alert. This means you’ll be happier, more optimistic, and more “on your game” for interviews, etc. Exercise also leads to a lot of confidence, which translates into your body language.
  • All work and no play: It should be a priority for everyone to carve out time for what you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to doing a favorite craft, or any other hobby that brings you joy. Folks who don’t make time for fun and relaxation are more stressed out, and it can come across to people. If you’re more relaxed, hiring managers will see that too.
  • Constant complaining: Complaining rarely leads to results. Remember that the more you complain, even just to yourself, the more you reinforce negativity. Try your best to be positive, and take any challenges that come as lessons to do better next time.
  • Being too hard on yourself: Remember that this is a process, and not everything is going to be a slam dunk. As I mentioned in the last bullet, take any mishaps as learning opportunities. No one is perfect, so remember to cut yourself a break and keep on going.
  • Selling yourself short: Just because you don’t have every single bullet point in a job description, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. If you have a lot of what they’re looking for and you’re motivated to learn and grow, apply with enthusiasm. It never hurts to try!
I hope these points give you a new perspective on your job search, if you feel like you’re in a rut.
Photo by Agnieszka Boeske on Unsplash

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