Stay Confident During Your Job Search by Focusing on the Process, Not the Outcome

When you’re on the job market and you’re not getting the jobs you’ve been applying for, it’s easy to get desperate. But you don’t want potential employers to think that you need the job too much. Being overeager undermines your sense of confidence, a key trait that hiring managers look for. Plus, if you’re itching to finally land a job you might be less inclined to negotiate an offer once you get one. So instead of focusing on the outcome (getting a job), concentrate on the process and the specific activities you need to take. Check for job openings and apply for positions that suit your experience. Attend networking events to get to know potential employers. Talk to friends and colleagues to find out about upcoming openings. Take classes to improve your skills. Keeping your attention on these steps will ease your frustration because you experience success when you complete these tasks and many of them will help you succeed in the job when you finally land it.