A Positive Attitude

When you're looking for a new job or just want to change from your current one it can be hard to keep a positive outlook.  Finding a job takes time and there's more rejection than anyone should have to handle.  You apply for job after job and never hear anything back but see the same job posted for months on end.  It's depressing.  It's enough to bring Pollyanna down.

Even though it's difficult at times, keeping a positive attitude can do wonders for your job search.  Not only will it keep you motivated but the way you present yourself will benefit, too.  When you get into a negative place and can only see the down side, it affects everything you do.  If you're feeling down it's going to show.  Including in the way you communicate with others and the first impression you give.  

Think about it.  When you're feeling happy you smile and laugh more.  You're more agreeable to everyone around you.  You're probably friendlier and showing your sense of humor.  This comes across when people speak with you on the phone or meet you in person.  You smile, make them laugh, laugh at their joke and generally enjoy yourself.  You see the opportunity coming your way, however slight it may be.  If you're optimistic, you can make it work.  When your attitude is positive you also come across as more confident.  That's always a good thing.  People like confidence.

The flip side is that when you're feeling down or negative about things, that gets communicated to everyone, too.  Your body language is even different.  You don't stand up as straight or smile as much. You don't laugh and have less tendency to look someone in the eye.  Even when an opportunity presents itself to you all you'll be able to see is the down side.  You may even talk yourself out taking advantage of that opportunity because you just can't see it working out anyway.  All of this gives a less than great first impression.  To a person meeting you for the first time you'll seem low energy and disinterested.  You'll give the impression of only seeing the down side of anything by looking for the negative.  That's not what you want.  You want to be seen as the enthusiastic go-getter you know you are.

You're a hardworking, conscientious and accomplished professional.  And everyone should know that, especially when you're looking for a new job.  So show yourself off!  A great way to maintain a positive attitude is to focus on your accomplishments.  Keep in mind the contributions you're capable of making, and have made in the past.  Focus on the fact that you have something unique to offer the company that hires you.  You'll come across as confident, knowledgeable and with a purpose.

It gets hard looking for a new job but don't give up.  Stay positive and you'll do yourself a favor.  Happy, positive and confident people are the ones who get hired, too.  You never know, your great attitude may be exactly what you need to get you where you want to be.