by Jeff Parsons

Created on: August 15, 2010

Looking for a job is a job in itself. Successful job searches are a combination of patience, perseverance and perspiration. Some prayer might help as well. Staying positive during these hard times means staying connected with your true self – don’t give up and you’ll succeed one way or another.

There are many steps that you’ll have to take: building the marketable skills, crafting the perfect resume, wordsmithing an alluring cover letter, dressing for success and giving a sparkling interview. Those are the tools to land a job, but, they’re not the motivation that keeps you going on the journey.  Think deeply about why you’re doing this. Hold onto that feeling. Regardless of the reason, you also know that staying positive will help you to become more effective, even after the weeks, the months and years of having to market yourself.

Here are some thoughts to help you stay positive during your job search:

> Find a support system. Find some people who are going through the same circumstances. Unemployment offices often sponsor job clubs and provide other related leads as well. Online support is also available at various job-hunting websites. This activity provides networking, some help with your job search and it lets you know that you’re not going through this all alone.

> Volunteer. If you help others, you’ll soon find out that you’re also helping yourself. Your services may open up some job possibilities as well. In the very least, you can put the time spent on your resume. Volunteering also shows that you care about others and like to stay busy.

> Learn new things. Keep on growing. Go to school. Brush up on your skills. Learn some new hobbies. It’s important to keep busy. It also gives you something worthwhile to talk about during an interview.

> Think about the possibilities. You have a huge chunk of time available to you that you may never have again. Some people never get this type of opportunity. Again, try new things to do. Expand your appreciation of life.

> Calm down. Watch the rest of the world speed on by in its mad rush. Think about why you would like to work, but on your terms. Promise yourself that you’ll never be a member of the rat race anymore. This time off is truly liberating.  You are in control of your life!

> Accept that your life may become different than what you’re used to. Change is usually good, and, even though it may not seem like it, it may be exactly what you need. In the very least, it can make you a stronger person with a greater character.  Ever hear of the expression… when one door closes, another opens? Imagine where your future might lead you.

> Try your best. After that, be kind to yourself. You can only do your best, nothing more. You don’t need to know everything or go everywhere to search for a job. However, you do need to keep on looking for new opportunities.     

Don’t give up – you will succeed… somehow, someway, someday. Good luck and God Bless You!

Learn more about this author, Jeff Parsons.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.