How to Build Confidence While You Job Search
How to Build Confidence While You Job Search
Most people think they’re not ready to start their search because they aren’t yet clear or confident about what they want to do next.
But building clarity and confidence can – and should – be an ongoing part of the job search process – not a box we check off before we begin.
Your job search will include research of organizations, reviews of job postings, resume writing and applications, feedback and insight from connections (new and old), and of course, conversations and interviews with recruiters, hiring managers and potential teammates.
In other words, it is through the process of the job search that you will be able to effectively identify priorities and convey your value.
You must start the process in order to cultivate the confidence and clarity you’re looking for!
In case you are still convinced you should be waiting to start your job search with total clarity and confidence, here are some ways we help people build confidence as they go!
1. Start with proper self-reflection + assessment
If you’re a client or you’ve attended any workshop or webinar that we’ve done, like, ever, you know that this is a pillar of our process.
The bottom line is this – if you want to get clear and confident communicating your value, you have to take stock of what you’ve done and how you’ve contributed previously. Get back in touch with the goals you’ve had previously and consider how you’ve achieved them and what you want next.
If you need help with this part of the process, our free webinar for job seekers is a great place to start!
2. Set learning Goals
A job search doesn’t just require networking and applying – it can also include learning.
If your search reveals, for example, software experience or skill that you don’t yet have, don’t panic. There are likely opportunities to learn a bit more online through YouTube or LinkedIn – or even the possibility of in-person workshops.
If you’re seeing qualifications for specific skills that you don’t yet have, this could be an opportunity to acquire some exposure.
Having some level of familiarity can be helpful - and is absolutely more valuable than having none at all - so don’t hesitate to spend some portion of your time building your skills.
3. Master the job search basics
Not sure if your resume is cutting it?
Feeling like you *should* network but no idea how to get started without feeling awkward or pushy?
Learning how to launch a job search that honors your goals, interests, and values is confidence-building because even if you have no idea what to do right now – you can learn what works.
This is what we teach our clients. We offer a self-assessment and roadmap with skill-building (and confidence) building exercises, templates and support so you can build your career toolbox and manage career transitions like a pro.
4. Don’t forget to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel like such a good fit.
Even my clients who are looking and waiting for an offer that feels great get a big boost of confidence when they walk away from an interview or offer that they know is not.
Even though it can be disappointing to realize a position you’ve spent time learning about may not be the right fit - walking away from some opportunities is a milestone.
It means you’re honoring what you’re learning and making sure your actions reflect that.
Plus, you’re making space for the right thing to come along!
Are you looking for support setting up your job search so that you build clarity and confidence along the way?