Job searching deal breaker

Attitude is a big thing that makes an enormous difference to how you perceive life. Your attitude is a powerful thing; you can leave a lasting impression on others for good or for bad – so it’s incredibly valuable to know how to project a positive attitude and be aware of what subtle messages your attitude conveys to recruiters about how you handle yourself.

Attitude affects our facial expressions, tone of voice and ultimately our performance. You can feel full of confidence one day and take on the world or the next day feel unmotivated and ready to give up.

The road to your next job may be filled with false starts, frustrations and a certain amount of anxiety. Searching for a job is by no means an easy task. If you’ve already made a SMART Start to your job search the next thing for you to consider is how to manage your attitude when the going gets tough.

Hiring managers are acutely attuned to an individual’s attitude so developing a healthy outlook to your job search and being aware of how your attitude impacts on others from the outset is essential if you want to increase your chances of job search success. Think about it this way, your attitude could be the deciding factor between you landing that job over another better qualified and more experienced candidate or being passed over.

Searching for your next job is mostly a lone activity so it’s important to know how to keep up-beat and get support from others when you need it.

Follow these 7 tips to ensure that your maintain a positive attitude

    Keep Perspective
    Nothing is ever as bad as you think it is. Remember there is always someone else who is having a more difficult time than you. Avoid negative self-talk as it doesn’t help. Accept setbacks as learning opportunities. What could you do differently the next time?

    Review your SMART Start Plan
    Take another look at your priorities and goals. In the light of new information are they still relevant and achievable? Keep things simple and break down larger tasks to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

    Don’t Put Things Off
    As tempting as it may be to avoid dealing with problems; deal with them as they arise – don’t let small issues escalate. Take control of the issue as soon as possible and sort it out. If you don’t feel you can deal with it by yourself, seek help from friends and family in the first instance to determine whether you need further resources to help you.

    Get a Job Search Buddy
    When you’re looking for a job it’s good to have someone with whom you can chart your progress. This person should help you review your plan of action and help you to gain perspective on what is happening.

    Keep a Journal or Daily Activity Log
    Writing down your feelings can really help you to move past them. Sometimes just getting them down on paper can really help to keep you motivated when you feel like giving up. Keep a daily activity log can also help you chart your progress which over a few weeks will help you acknowledge how much work you have achieved.

    Take Time Out
    Take some time out from your job search. Give yourself permission to get out of the house and enjoy some simple pleasures. Perhaps you could meet a friend for coffee or go for a walk and enjoy some fresh air. Try listening to music or taking a relaxation class – all of these things will help you to rebalance your attitude and put the zing back into your job search.

    Get a Career Coach
    Sometimes it’s better to get a professional on board to help you stay on track with your job search plan. Having regular update meetings with your coach will keep you follow through with your commitments keep you motivated and gives a supportive and encouraging environment to help you focus when the going gets tough.



Job search is challenging certainly, but not impossible. Don’t let your attitude be a job search deal breaker. Maintain a positive outlook and seek support when you need it because the next job that you apply for – could have your name on it.