How to Stay Confident During Your Job Search

Sometimes, when you are unemployed and looking for a job, it can feel demoralising. It's daunting looking for a job, plus there's so much pressure these days to try and “stand out from the crowd” because pretty much everyone in your position is doing the exact same thing.

No matter how you became unemployed in the first place, whether you were dismissed, made redundant, or just finished a course, it is really important that you stay positive during your job search because you are bound to get rejected. 

And while having a glittering CV can be advantageous, employers want to employ someone who has a personality and, more importantly, has got confidence in themselves.

Thankfully, here at The Learning Station, we've all been there. So we've got together, brainstormed, shared our personal stories, and identified the following 6 tips to help you keep confident while you are looking for work.

1. Know What Type Of Job You're Looking For

Most recruiters will tell you that there are thousands of jobs available. And it is true. Type in "Jobs in London" on Indeed, and you'll see over 100,000 vacancies. But not every job is going to be for you.

So before you even begin to consider applying for a job, take the time to familiarise yourself with your career ambitions or objectives. Conduct some research into a number of industries that are of interest to you. You have to remember that some sectors will be more competitive than others. 

Once you have identified the sectors that you want to work in, create severals CVs for each sector. Sites like Prospects and National Careers Service have loads of information on requirements on each sector. Use this information in your CV.

By focussing on what you want, you become more determined and motivated to achieve them. 

Related Reading: How to Make an Outstanding CV

2. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes, But Make Sure You Learn From Them

Don't just limit your job hunt to staying at home and browsing the internet. Get out of your house, and go to employers directly and ask if they have any opportunities available - this could be at a networking event or jobs fair. Also, make the effort to go to a recruitment agency and set up an appointment with them.

As you go out of your way looking for work, you will make mistakes. And that's okay. The most important thing is that you learn from it. 

One thing you have to remember is that recruiters receive a lot of applications online. And for them, having to sift through all those applications is soul destroying for them (recruiters have lives too you know). By physically introducing yourself, and showing a positive attitude, you will more likely be on the recruiter's mind when they review applications.

3. Ask For Feedback

The interview didn't go so well? As I have said, that's bound to happen.

If you didn't get the job, don't be afraid to ask for some constructive feedback. Most employers are happy to provide you with some critique. This information will prove to be very valuable as you will become aware of where you need to improve for future interviews.

Related Reading: How to Manage Your Online Reputation

4. Volunteer

Perhaps the most common reason why we don't succeed in the job hunt is that we don't have experience. Luckily, there is a route where you can gain experience, and that's via volunteering.

Volunteering shows you took the initiative to go out and contact organisations to help them for free.  Plus, volunteering can do wonders for your self-esteem. Studies show that volunteering can boost your psychological health by activating dopamine, the brain's natural drug that makes you feel happy. 

5. Use Your Contacts, Or Make New Ones

Just so you know, I am not a fan of cliches, but this one is just so true: “It's not what you know, but who you know.” 

Having the right contacts can play a huge role during your job search. Your family and friends can recommend you to recruiters they may know on a professional or personal level. People tend to prefer to hire recommendations based on the trust that has been established with current contacts.

Networking events are a great place to make new contacts, have new conversations and boost your confidence.

Related Reading: 35 Proven Study Hacks That Can Improve Your Memory

6. Learn a New Skill

The perfect CV showcases your experiences and skills. Experience is something that can only be gained in a working environment, but skills can be learned and honed at any time. 

Thanks to the rising popularity of online distance learning courses, you can enrol onto a vocational course that you can study in your own time and at your own pace. And, if you are unemployed, you could also complete the course much quicker as well.

The Learning Station is North London's leading provider in online distance learning and they provide a variety of courses in areas including health and social care, child care, construction, business admin and functional skills.

For more information on how The Learning Station can help, get in touch with us today on 020 8342 7210.

Thanks for reading! Do you know of any other confidence boosting tips? Please let us know in the comments section below.

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