Motivate Yourself for the Job Search

I just wrote a column on motivation for my writers' group newsletter and thought about how people searching for employment must keep themselves motivated throughout the job search. In this economy with its shortage of jobs, it's sometimes hard to get motivated or keep motivated in the face of rejections.

Here are a few motivational tips to help:

• Determine specifically what you want. What type of job? In what industry? In what location? Doing what tasks? Set a goal rather than say, "I'll take anything."


• Visualize being in that job. See yourself going to work, sitting at your workspace, doing your tasks.


• Get yourself ready for employment. Update your skills if necessary. Everyone must know how to use a computer these days. If you do not, take an inexpensive or free class at a reputable school or agency.


• Prepare a modern resume. Get help if necessary.


• Practice interviewing with a friend, all the while visualizing that you are interviewing with the company of your dreams.


• Get up everyday and do something to move yourself closer to getting a job. Inertia causes boredom and depression.


• Find a mentor to help in your job search.


• If you still have a hard time motivating yourself, find a cheerleader who will cheer you on and keep you motivated.

Take action every day even if it is a small step. It is by taking those daily steps that you can reach your goal of getting a job.

Thinking Positively in a Negative Economy

How is your work attitude? Being out of work or stuck in a dead-end job is not the way most of us envision our work life; but in a poor economy, every employee must work hard to maintain a job or to land a new one. Unemployment or underemployment, however, can be devastating to self-esteem. That means each person in these situations will also have to work harder at maintaining a positive attitude. There is no other choice if you hope to be successful at work.

• Do not berate yourself if you have no job or a low-level position; rather, remind yourself that most people go through several jobs and careers.


• Do not tie your self-worth solely to your work; consider the sum of your talents, skills, and unique experiences.


• Believe in yourself and your competency; upgrade your skills if needed.


• Develop positive work habits.


• Strategize ways to find more meaning in your work or more meaningful work.


• Tell yourself you can conduct a successful job search.


• Display enthusiasm during an interview and while you are working.


• Set goals and persist in achieving them.


• Be grateful.


• Surround yourself with upbeat, positive people.


• Call on your network when you are feeling down or when you need help with a job search.


• Be positive; a positive attitude will help you move forward; replace negative thoughts with positive ones.


• Become a problem solver.


• Do something to improve your situation.


• Make friends on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites.


• Focus on what you have control over; forget about what you cannot control.

Attain Career Success Despite the Economy

As the economy continues to suffer from weak job news, those of us who have jobs should be vigilant in maintaining them. To attain career success in the economy, concentrate on ways to be a valuable employee. Ask yourself these questions:

• In what ways can you add value to your company?


• What other responsibilities can you take on that will increase your worth to the employer?


• What can you do to personally improve yourself (i.e. take a class, join a professional organization, learn a new skill, etc.)?


• Can you make your boss's life easier?


• Can you think of ways to save your employer money?


• Can you think of ways to save your employer time?

Get a clear picture in your mind of what you can do to be successful on the job and then work towards it.

Hold Onto Your Job

Today's news on the economy is once again bleak. It is more important than ever to keep the job you have. One of the best ways to do that is to provide excellent customer service. Another is to do everything you can to make your boss's job easier.

Here are some other ways to help yourself and others through tough economic times:

• Always speak kindly to everyone every day.
• If there is something special you can do for your customers, do it.
• Spread words of encouragement and appreciation.
• Treat people fairly and never take advantage of them.
• If you must offer criticism, find something positive to say first.

The way you walk your career path is especially important in this economic climate.