How to Boost Confidence during Job Search

What if I fail the interview? What if I say something silly? What if they do not like me? What if I never get the job? If these questions ever cross your mind during the struggle of job search, chances are, you are suffering from lack of confidence. But then again, who is not? If you have been following the job market news recently, you would know that companies are laying off their staff and that fewer companies are planning to increase their headcount in 2017. In such current job market, not only fresh graduate, everyone will feel both nervous and insecure upon entering the talent pools.

Whether you are looking for a job for the first time after your graduation or being laid off from your job, unemployment is not a happy experience for anyone. However, you need to straighten up your back and face reality. Rather than letting insecurities eat you up, this is the moment you should build up your self-esteem to take the future into your hands. Here are some tips to boost confidence during a job search:

1.      Stay positive

Self-doubt always comes from negative thoughts. What if I fail? What if I mess up? It is like when we are wearing black sunglasses. When we see things through it, everything looks dark. But once we take it off, we will see the colours. So throw away all of these ‘what ifs’ from your mind and tell yourself that everything is going to be okay. It is good to be realistic, as long as it does not make you sceptical and pessimistic. Look upon the situation from a positive point of view and believe in your capabilities.

2.      Focus on your goal

Take some time to reflect on what you really want to achieve in life. When it comes to job searching, as the old saying says, ‘when there is a will, there is a way’. If you have decided on your goal, you need to focus on how to make it come true.  For example, if you apply for HR positions, ask yourself why you want it and what it signifies for your life.

3.      Know your weaknesses

Only when you know and understand your weaknesses, improvements can then be done. Recognise the primary reasons that make you feel unconfident. Question yourself why you feel that way and what you should do to beat it down. For example, if you are not confident due to physical appearance, take advice from people around you or other medias like magazines and the internet. Find out what you are lacking and see if you can make any changes to prepare yourself better.

4.      Keep practicing

Self-assurance is earned, not given. Thus, you need to make significant efforts to gain it. Keep practising and learning is the key to be successful in a job search. Sharpen your mind by writing plenty cover letters and resumes or rehearsing interviews. Keep practising until your doubt vanishes, and you feel confident about your answers.

5.      Ask for help

If you think you cannot do it alone, then seek help from people who cares about you. Family, friends or relatives could be there as your support and helpers. For starters, ask them what they think about you, your achievements, your core pluses and minuses, as well as their expectations for you. We might believe that only we know who we really are. But sometimes, by seeing through other’s lenses, we will discover something new that we never realise before.  

The job searching road can be a tough one. But as long as you know where your capabilities are and your skills well, apply for jobs that are suitable for you and not overreach for jobs that you totally have no experience or even knowledge in. Visit www.talentvis.com and seek out available job openings now! Good luck!

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