Self-esteem really makes a difference
Developing an enthusiastic, positive attitude is, unquestionably, the first thing to do in starting your job search. This can be a marvelous journey for you, the chance to revive your career, to find the job that is ideal for which your talents, skills and abilities are uniquely suited. Your attitude will be a major determinant of your success. You must first be sold on yourself in order to be convincing to others who are in a position to help or hire you.

The keys to a positive attitude are self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-knowledge. Let's look briefly at each of these:

Self-esteem
Think of the positive aspects of your personal and professional growth, the things you have accomplished in your life, your educational achievements, your experiences in the world of work, whether full-time or part-time. Reflect on your successes and the many skills and abilities you used to achieve them.

Self-confidence
Think of all the things you know how to do, the technical capabilities you have, the contributions you are capable of making to a business or other enterprise, and the many personal attributes or traits that distinguish you as a vital person.

Self-knowledge
Think of who you really are and what you have become over the years, how you have developed;what motivates you, drives you, interests you; how you would describe yourself in terms of style and personality; what you most like to do and what you do best, better than anyone else you know.

As you assimilate these thoughts, you will find that they not only contribute to a positive attitude and building of self-esteem, but they also help you prepare for the practical aspects of the job search in defining your knowledge, skill, and competence that you will communicate to others.

Control results from attitude and high self-esteem. It is the realization that you and you alone are in charge. You are making the decisions and calling the shots. You are the one who determines the direction, the priorities, the actions. The more control you can exercise over the events in your campaign, the more positive effect you can have on the outcomes. As well-meaning as others may be, they cannot have the impact that you can have where your own career is concerned.

In summary, starting your job-search involves some important steps of preparation: The key is reflecting on your positive achievements and successes:
Develop an enthusiastic, positive attitude, with
o Self-esteem
o Self-confidence
o Self-knowledge
Form and maintain productive relationships, with
o Employer and co-workers
o Faculty and colleagues
o Family and friends
Take care of your health and fitness, with
o Diet
o Exercise
o Recreation
Plan to develop and maintain your
o Focus
o Structure
o Control

GOALS ARE NECESSARY
For you to pace your job search activities in a realistic and productive manner, and to organize what is going to become your guerrilla' campaign for a new job, you must have goals. Your goals must be specific to assist you in focusing on the type of business or industry in which you are most likely to find a job and the characteristics of the type of company you prefer. For example, the size and location of the company, the type of business activity, and other related issues must be decided by you early so that you do not waste your time.

FOCUS ON ONE JOB OBJECTIVE
Focusing on one job objective at a time will help you to avoid feeling scattered or confused. It will save you time, money and heartburn. Focus first on the job objective that you believe has the highest probability of paying off in a job offer.

Learn more about this author, R E Payne.
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