Career Cube Blog

Job hunting can really wear a person down. For those that are out of a job, you’re spending hours at home searching job boards, doing research on prospective companies, and having phone interviews. If you’re lucky you can go to a networking event and have a few crackers and soda to ideally meet someone who can help you in your search. For those with a job, you’re feeling worn out doing your current job and keeping up appearances that you’re still completely dedicated to the company and position. In the meantime you’re interviewing on the sly, searching for new postings when you get home from work and on the weekends. It’s exhausting!

The important thing is to not let that get to how you look.

What do I mean by that?

When you’re not feeling motivated and excited by your job, it’s harder to put on an enthusiastic, polished image. A job takes up most of your waking time on Earth, and if it’s unsatisfying, it’ll wear on you.

Next time you’re out and about, notice someone who is particularly striking in appearance. That kind of person that makes you say—”I want to BE them.” When you look at them you can imagine them having amazing job interviews and careers. Everyone does this, so don’t even try to pretend to me that you don’t.

Now pinpoint what it is about them that makes you say that. Is it how they dress? Their hair? If they’re a woman, are their nails done? Do they seem very fit? Is it how they carry themselves? Is it how they speak? What are those characteristics in them that you find most attractive and magnetic?

I’m never suggesting that you be someone that you’re not. You won’t be comfortable and you’ll still have the guilt of wondering how you’ll keep this up on your first day in the job. However, I am suggesting that if there’s things about you that you’ve always wanted to improve, that you take this transition time to make them happen, and that in turn will make you feel better about yourself.

For example, a few years back I went to the gym regularly and took a great class called Total Body Conditioning. We worked out with weights so it was low impact, and I still remember how firm my arms and legs felt and how toned I became. I walked more confidently because I was proud of my new body. (If you’re looking for a great fitness resource where you can get genuine, good advice—check out www.yourlifestylefitness.com, from a guy I personally know and highly recommend—Kevin Gianni.)

So what’s your confidence-builder? What could you change about yourself that would instantly turn you into that person you admired—even if it’s only in a small way? Maybe it’s a new haircut or you splurge a bit on a new interview suit. If finances are tight, it could be something as simple as going to your local library and checking out some exercise DVD’s. You can even work to improve how you carry yourself by improving your posture or handshake. What are the characteristics of that person you want to BE that makes them so special to you? What little things can you do to turn yourself into them in your mind.

Your appearance in an interview is a very important part of getting the job, and with the process as grueling as it is, you deserve to take the time to do something for you that will improve your image and your chances to land that position. Confidence is attractive and will get you hired. Period.

by Melanie Schluzcha

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