I got an email from Steve with a number of great questions, which I’ll share today, tomorrow and Thursday. The first:
What is the best way for job seeker to overcome negative emotions and get motivated in the search?
This is a hard question. I can feel the pain in this question. I don’t have THE answer, but I know what worked for me.
I had to have a vision of something I had more control over.
When I got the idea for JibberJobber it was like a shot in the arm. No longer was I completely discouraged and helpless… I finally could have some control over something and make progress, regardless of the resume black hole.
Not sure what it might be for you but for me it was empowering myself with at least one other revenue stream that had potential.
The interesting thing is that since I started JibberJobber I started to get job offers. Not interview offers… job offers. Multiple job offers. Even this year, seve years later.
People could see what I was capable of doing, they could see I was passionate, and they wanted me on their team. One of my favorite posts about this is titled Substantiate Yourself.
What can you add? How do you overcome negative emotions and get motived, whether you are in a job search or own your own business?
Spot on!
As a resume writer I’d say a big “ditto” on what Jason said, because if you’re unemployed and that continues for a while, it’s good to have something to put on your resume for that time period. Of course, it backfires if you don’t make a serious effort of it (have a good website, get clients, etc.).
As a job search coach, I’d add: Arm yourself with knowledge – knowledge is power! Study up on the best practices in job search and really act on them. If they seem impossible – spending 30+ hours a week, doing a lot of networking, etc. – keep trying to solve the problem, whatever it takes.
And get more exercise. It lifts your mood and energy level.
Thea Kelley, CPRW, GCDF, OPNS
Personalized, one-on-one career services. Get a great job, sooner!
thea@theakelley.com
http://www.theakelley.com/blog
Thank you Thea… more great advice! And the exercise thing I think is under-appreciated but so valuable!
I have found having a regular spiritual practice – meditation, journal, prayer – whatever works for you is critical. It is about being grounded and centered. It is recognizing that I am a part of something larger than myself.