Attitude Adjustment! How To Get Out Of Your Own Way When Job Hunting

It’s no secret that searching for a job can be pull-your-hair-out frustrating, especially in an economy that isn’t entirely recovered yet. Keeping a positive attitude is easier said than done when all you want is an interview but you’re barely getting a response after sending out hundreds of resumes. Like it or not, though, having a bad attitude is only going to make your situation worse – not only will you feel crummy, but you could also unknowingly dissuade employers from hiring you. Get out of your own way when looking for your next job by following these tips.

The Attitude: Why should I advance my skills and training? I just want to find an employer who needs the skills I currently possess.

This is a terrible attitude to have for many reasons. First, if one of the skill sets you’re lacking is computer proficiency, you’re going to find it very difficult to apply for jobs in the first place. Second, most companies want to keep up with trends, grow with technology and move along with the times. If you’re too stubborn to create a Twitter account and learn about hashtags even though you’re applying for a marketing job, you’re clearly not right for the position. Most jobs and businesses will change and (hopefully) evolve over time; employers need to know that you’ll be able to grow along with the company instead of keeping it stagnant.

The Attitude: I’ll provide the information I think is necessary instead of submitting exactly what they ask for.

If you’re ever in the position of hiring employees, you’ll learn one truth to https://theslientnews.com/ very quickly: far too many applicants don’t submit full or correct information. When an employer asks for an application and a resume, give them both, even if you know that the information is going to be the same from one piece of paper to the other. If an employer wants writing samples, then submit writing samples. Just do what they want – there’s a reason they’re requesting certain information, after all. Also, you need to show the employer that you’re willing to go above and beyond what you feel is reasonable and that you’re able to follow directions.

The Attitude: There’s no way I’m agreeing to a background check, credit check or drug testing.

A lot of people will agree that the employment process for some jobs has become surprisingly intrusive. Often, though, there’s a reason for needing all that extra info. For example, a financial position may require you to have a credit check first, because if you’re going to advise people on managing their money, it stands to reason that you should know how to manage yours. Also, saying “no” and being stubborn for the sake of being stubborn says much more about you than any background check can. Lastly, if you have something to hide, there’s a larger problem than just the employer’s requirements.

The Attitude: They’re interviewing so many people for the position that I’m not going to be hired anyway, so why bother even applying?

It’s pretty obvious why this attitude is so poor, but let’s delve into it anyway. If you feel this way, clearly you’re not up for a challenge of competing with other applicants right now, which is not something an employer wants to see. Instead of worrying that you’re going to get lost in the masses, your goal should be making sure you stand out from the crowd. Addressing and climbing over barriers should be your primary goal. Plus, it’ll help you to prepare for the natural competition that comes along with most jobs even once you’ve accepted a position.

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