Everyone knows that a job search can be a stressful time marked by hopeful ups and defeating downs. You get excited about new leads and suffer disappointments on your hunt for that perfect job. This is normal.
However, during your job search you could be your own worst enemy by not accepting this is normal and, instead, taking it personally.
Without even knowing it, you could be throwing up resistance that will kill your job hunt success. This resistance takes form in physical mistakes and emotional baggage, and it will hamper your ability to land that great new job you deserve.
Whether you are a top level executive looking for that next big advancement in an already successful career or you are a recent college graduate seeking that first job to kick off your career, you could be guilty of throwing up emotional roadblocks that will stop you in your tracks from ever setting foot in the door of many companies. That’s why it’s imperative to watch your mindset during the process. Here are 6 job search mindset roadblocks that you should pay attention to.
6 Job Search Mindset Killing Roadblocks:
1. Failing to Research Thoroughly – Often candidates believe they are properly prepared for their interview by researching all there is about the company, but they don’t research their needs and their history. They then fail to align their strengths to what the company’s needs are. This can cause a candidate to flounder in the interview and erode confidence.
2. Talking Down Accomplishments – During the interview, many candidates seeking to appear humble often talk down their own accomplishments making it seem like they really didn’t do anything in their past employment. Be proud of your accomplishments and balance it with humility to not be perceived as boastful.
3. Feeling They Must Go It Alone – Often job seekers feel they must pursue their next job like a lonely hunter in the night. The truth is, you can get a lot of valuable information and learn something from others in your position as well. Talk to them. Seek out the help of recruiters, similar positioned colleagues, and job search experts, but don’t rely on them as your only source for new opportunities.
4. Having a Begrudging Attitude – No one likes searching for a new job. But in the end it all comes down to your attitude. Approaching a job search with a bad attitude will only result in poor quality work on your part. Be excited for your new opportunity and enjoy the hunt as you broaden your horizons. You may even learn a thing or two along the way.
5. Creating a One-Size-Fits-All Resume and Cover Letter – One of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending the same cover letter and resume to many different companies. If you are truly interested in a position, you should do your homework and tailor both your resume and cover letter specifically for that position.
6. Allowing Negative Head Trash – Assuming all setbacks are because you are not a desirable candidate or only unique to you is the biggest emotional and mental drain at the root of stalled job searches. It is important to realize ALL job seekers have positive and negative aspects of the search and it is normal. It does not mean you suck. It means that the employer and job opportunity was not the right one for you.
Remember, when you are job seeking, look at your actions in an objective manner. Really look inside yourself and ask yourself why you are having a hard time and not finding the type of job you want. You could find that it isn’t because you simply can’t find something, but that you have become your own worst enemy creating unnecessary resistance in your job search.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. We are all guilty of it at one time or another. Just pick yourself up and recognize what you are doing and correct it. The above tips should help.