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Disclaimer: The entries contained within the Staff Blog should not be construed as advice; it is merely for information purposes and reflects the opinions, approaches, research, and experiences of individual staff members. Students are encouraged to attend Drop-in Advising to discuss their situation with a career advisor.
In pursuit of happyness in the job search: the power of mindset
October 16 2009
Posted by Moe Rafiuddin, Graduate Assistant
The other day, as I was watching the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, I was reminded of how stressful job searching can be. The character, Chris Gardner, went through many adversities in his struggle to find a job. In his efforts to obtain a position at top investment firm he was faced with extra-ordinary challenges that ranged from becoming homeless to being a single father. However, he faced these unusual circumstances with a strong determination and belief in himself. His positive belief in himself enabled him to focus on his job search and ultimately land his dream job.
I remember the times I spent sending resume after resume to prospective employers without any responses. When I did get replies, it was an impersonal letter notifying me that they have already filled the position, but would keep my application materials on file. I remember worrying about bills and if I would ever get a job at all.
It wasn't long before I started having doubts about landing a job and my own abilities. I started becoming less productive day after day.
Noticing a negative change in myself, I decided to take time to do some reflection upon my past accomplishments and future desires. After this reflection, I found the energy to refine and customize my resume to fit each job opportunity. I also found the confidence to begin networking with friends and relatives and asked them to keep me in mind if they hear of an opportunity that would match my skills.
Eventually, more interview opportunities started to come. The interviews were a great way for me to learn about the needs of employers and also practice expressing my skills and knowledge that I have to offer. Sometimes the interviews gave me other leads to follow and even increased my contact lists. I began feeling even better.
There will most certainly be times of frustration during a job search. It is important to take some time to reflect and clear your mind. If you allow yourself to be overcome with self-doubt, fear, and frustrations, you are only hurting your own efforts. Self-limiting beliefs, like fear and doubt, not only create an internal conflict within yourself, but create an outer conflict as you use these same thoughts to act. Your thoughts become your actions, and you are not realizing your full potential.
In the film, Chris Gardner walks into the interview with a positive attitude even though he almost did not make it in time due to unforeseen circumstances. Even though he was not fully prepared, he was able to convince the employer of his skills. You have a better chance succeeding in the interview if you believe "I'm a smart and capable person and I can do this," instead of saying "I'm not worthy."
The rigors of a job search can bring up negative thoughts that tell us we might not get a job. As we start investing in negative thoughts that drain precious emotional energy, our perception of the world around us starts to influence the decisions we make. We have to take a step back to gather ourselves and our confidence to believe we can do it. In the movie Chris Gardner escapes from his daily stress by taking a trip with his son to the beach.
An old boxing friend of mine used to say that sometimes by taking a step backward we can actually take two steps forward. Through determination and proper preparation the doors of opportunity can open up and we just have to be ready to step through them. Affirming positive beliefs silently or loudly to your self can release negative ones and can lift your spirit.
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