5 Tips to Boost Your Job Searching Confidence

[The following is a guest article]

For most job seekers, the entire job searching process can be incredibly stressful. Waiting by the phone for a call from a recruiter or interviewer can be incredibly nerve wracking. Approximately 92% of adults in America fear the job interview process, and many feel unconfident when searching for a new job.  No matter whether you are using online job listings or searching for a job the old fashioned way, the five tips listed below can help you boost your job searching confidence and help you land your dream job.

1. Worrying about the Future Robs You of Today’s Opportunities

Job searchers often spend more time worrying about things instead of taking action and making the most of their time. They may be anxious about an upcoming interview, or worried about how long it will take to find a job. The only thing worrying does is waste time.

It’s completely normal to be worried or nervous about different aspects of the job searching process. Allowing yourself to be consumed by these worries will rob you of the time you have today. Instead, you can spend time networking or attending a workshop. Maybe you can find a local class that will help you with your future career. By taking action instead of worrying, you may find that new and unexpected opportunities come your way.

2. Expect the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable, and the job search process is no different in this aspect. You can do your best to make plans, but these should be tentative plans only. You need to allow yourself the opportunity to grow and learn. Although you have control over your career, you cannot predict what will happen in the next five years. By that time, you may be on a completely different career path. Setting goals is a great idea, but just make sure that you allow yourself some wiggle room to change and grow.

3. Be Open to New Opportunities

What would you do if you suddenly received an unexpected job offer across the country? Would you turn it down immediately, or consider the opportunity? If a new and unexpected opportunity comes your way, don’t be so quick to turn it away. It may not be what you had planned for, but the opportunity may wind up changing your career for the better. Take the time to step back and truly think through your options before you make a decision.

4. Accept Uncertainty

The job searching process can undoubtedly be nerve wracking, but many parts of the process are out of your control. Accepting the fact that uncertainty is just a part of the job search will make the entire ordeal far less stressful. You can do everything in your power to land the job of your dreams, but ultimately it is up to the potential employer to make the final hiring decision.

5. Always Remember That You Are in Charge of Your Career

Far too often, job seekers adopt the attitude that interviewers and recruiters are in charge of their career. However, a big part of the job searching process is determining whether or not you want the job. Reminding yourself that you, and you alone, are in charge of your career can help you regain your confidence. It can also help you find potential employers you are actually interested in working for.