Maintaining Confidence While Job Searching

Last week I met with a group of job seekers at VCCS. This group was unbelievable to work with. The support and laughter they provided to each other while job searching and the fun atmosphere they contributed to was overwhelming. When asked “as job seekers what do you think other job seekers need to know about” they replied “how to maintain confidence while job searching.”

This didn’t come as a surprise. Confidence is hard to maintain when any change in our life is present. It was however interesting to see that this was still an area of concern with such a talented group of people with strong work backgrounds and experiences. It can be hard to recognize your own talents during a time of frustration. Sometimes it’s easier for someone standing on the sidelines to see what you have to offer. How can a job seeker maintain steady confidence through this period of change?

Maintaining confidence is not always an easy thing to do. Whether you are currently searching for a job or not, confidence ups and downs can be present during any change, quitting smoking, exercising more, eating a healthy and balanced diet etcetera. You are not alone in facing confidence battles.

Your challenge this week is to ask yourself these questions and write down your thoughts/answers:

(If you are a job seeker using VCCS services, relay answers that you feel comfortable in sharing with your counsellor)

What is important to you? List 3 things that are important to you right now.

Success means something different to everyone. What does living a successful life really mean to you?

When you decide that you are making a change what are the feelings and thoughts that maintain your positive outlook for a successful outcome?

What do you think your best friend might say are some of your best qualities? List 5 qualities that your best friend may say about you.

What is one small thing that you could do today to change the way you feel and boost your confidence?

I hope that if you are struggling to increase confidence you really consider the above questions and talk to a counsellor at VCCS Employment Services. Increased confidence can greatly increase the positive results in your job search.