How to Maintain a Positive Attitude During a Frustrating Job Search

How to Maintain a Positive Attitude During a Frustrating Job SearchHow to Maintain a Positive Attitude During a Frustrating Job SearchRejection letters, applications that took hours to do yielding nothing but deafening silence, waiting (and waiting) for callbacks after interviewsjob searches are filled with plenty of things that can crush ones spirits. While curling up with Netflix and a pint of Ben Jerrys may offer temporary relief, sooner or later youll need to get back in the groove and try to maintain a positive attitude during a frustrating job search.Enthusiastic applicants attract the attention of hiring managers, so do what you can to shake off a negative attitude. These expert suggestions can put you in a better frame of mind.How to Maintain a Positive Attitude During a Frustrating Job SearchConcentrate on what you can do.So much of what goes on with hiring is out of your hands. Instead of feeling that youre at the mercy of employers, look for ways to regain power.Waiting b y the phone for someone to return your call or respond to your email is an emotional disaster waiting to happen, says Henry Goldbeck of Goldbeck Recruiting. The fruchtwein important thing to remember is to focus on those things within your control while job searching.If you focus on your research, applications, follow up, networking, strategy development, etc., you will feel much better about yourself and your job search.Every activity is a win for you and brings you closer to employment- and you control it.Surround yourself with positivity.Got some Debbie Downers in your life? Give yourself permission to avoid them during this trying time.Its never helpful to hear, I sure wouldnt want to be you says Sally Srok, principal of Inner Compass Consulting. Your energy is your most precious commodity. Protect it. She notes that you might even want to create a response to nay-sayers, such as Actually, its an exciting time for me. Who knows whats nextAnd keep those good vibes going every cha nce you get. Put affirmations on post-its placed in the car, on the bathroom mirror. Tell yourself positive things. Literally- say them out loud. It works Srok says.Dont take rejection personally.Yes, this may be easier said than done. Job search rejection hurts. But employers have a variety of reasons for their selections.Some companies post a job that is actually already destined to a specific person who will apply for it internally, and external applicants have little to no chance in such a selection process, says international career coach Rebeca Gelencser. Some jobs are simply cancelled for financial reasons and applicants never hear back from the company. I worked as a recruiter and remember very clearly finding a great candidate for a job that welches posted on Monday and that was then deleted on Tuesday. It was not easy to explain or to digest.Continued confidence in your own abilities will eventually lead you where you want to be. Continually work to put forth your best sel f through tweaking your resume, developing new skills, and practicing for interviews- with the knowledge that a good match is out there somewhere.Remember the ultimate goal.Finally, keep in mind why you are going through journey. Hang up a picture of that new car you want to trade your clunker in for once you secure a job. Create a Pinterest board filled with images and wordsimagining you dream career.You wont be unemployed forever, Srok says. The right career opportunity will come along, and this will all be behind you. I promise.Continue Your Job Search