Title:What's Wrong With You?
Author:Heather Evans, Trainer with NVTI
Date:July 2012
Source:iemploy.wordpress.com
It doesn't take long before one loses their motivation when looking for a job. With every application that goes out without a response, it can be viewed as rejection. "What is wrong with me?
Most of the time, the problem isn't the applicant themself. Here is a list of things
I've found to be issues:
- The resume
- The drive
- The attitude
- When in doubt, see #1
The resume is most often the issue. Is it specific to the individual job being applied for? If not, it needs to be. Don't play the numbers game. It may pay out very rarely, but there is better response to a resume that reflects key words from the actual job description.
Your drive directly affects how determined you are in finding a job. Are you spending 5 minutes a day or 3 hours? Schedule your job search and stick to it. If you are unemployed, your job is finding a job.
Attitude is a killer. I have engaged in conversation over a person's job search and the comments I get are, "I already do that" or "I know what to do." Yea, well how's that working for ya? Be willing to learn something. Anything. If you know everything there is to know, it's no wonder you are unemployed. No one wants a know-it-all. Maybe you don't claim to know it all, but you have become too disappointed by your search. Find a way to stay optimistic. I ran across the following chart listed in Job Search with Social Media for Dummies - Stay Motivated throughout Your Job Search via Social Media.
I know it's easier said than done, but it isn't personal. Do what you can. Stay focused and motivated. Leave the rest to the tools you employ.
| REASON YOUR MOTIVATION HAS DISAPPEARED | HOW TO GET YOUR MOTIVATION BACK |
|---|---|
| Too much stress | Meditate. Studies show that just 20 minutes of daily meditation can significantly reduce cortisol levels in the body, which in turn reduces the feelings of stress. Exercise also reduces stress, so if you can't meditate, get to the gym instead. And if you really want to feel calm and confident, do both. |
| Skills deficit | Find out what skill you're missing and then take steps to acquire that skill, whether it be taking a class, attending a seminar, or brushing up on the latest trends in your industry. |
| Feeling overwhelmed | Break down the thing you're feeling overwhelmed about into smaller and smaller chunks. Then do one small piece at a time. Don't let feeling overwhelmed stop you from reaching your goals. |
| Feeling resentment | Take a step back and look at your situation dispassionately so you can solve the problem at hand. If you need to release some anger, go do that, but then come back to the table with a clear head. Also remember to not take things so personally. Keep focused on what you can control. |
| Procrastination cycle | Conquer procrastination by having clear next steps to a worthy goal. Record your progress and make sure your skills can meet the challenge. The real issue may actually be another item in this list. Find it and deal with it. |
| No clear next steps | Start with the outcome you want and then work your way backward by thinking of what it will take to make that happen. Break down each task into easily digestible chunks and take one step at a time. |
| No direct feedback from your actions | Use a scorecard to track your progress toward your larger goal. If you're just ticking things off a task list, you're not giving yourself enough feedback. Remember to celebrate each success, no matter how small. |
