“Why haven’t I been hired yet?” is a frustrating question. Those who make this query are often in a state of angst over their bleak employment status. Positive self-talk can help relieve these individuals’ stress and help them get hired.
Can Positive Self-Talk Help You Get Hired?
A positive attitude is essential to have when seeking employment. In fact, an article published by The Telegraph claimed that employers hire on attitude over skills. But a cheerful demeanor alone doesn’t stick with a person for long. It needs to be reinforced during the potentially disheartening process of job seeking. One way to reinforce a great attitude is by having conversations in your mind that build you up instead of tearing you down.
Negative Thinking Will Drag Out Your Job Search
Certain thoughts yield favorable job search results; others don’t. Here are few examples of self-talk statements that will trip you up in your job search:
- “If I don’t get this job, I’m going to get depressed.”
- “I’m not totally qualified for this job; I probably won’t get it.”
- “I can’t believe I’ve been looking for work for six months. What is the matter with me?”
- “I just can’t handle being unemployed anymore.”
It’s normal to occasionally think these types of thoughts, but thinking them too often may depress your chances of getting hired. If you want to find a new job, start talking to yourself in a way that is beneficial. To do this, you first have to become aware of your negative self-talk.
The article Is Negative Self-Talk Chipping Away at Your Job Search Motivation and Confidence? states, “You should spend a few moments evaluating negative beliefs as they run through your mind. It’s very important to take a step back and consider them objectively.” It suggests asking yourself if your negative thoughts can be proven true, if someone else would think your own thoughts about you, and if you would ever say those things to a friend in a similar situation.
Powerful, Positive Self-Talk Statements Attract Employers to You
Once you’ve become aware of and challenged some of your negative self-talk statements, it’s time to replace them with positive-yet-believable thoughts. Examples include…
- “If I don’t get this job, I’ll be OK. I’ll eventually find the right position.”
- “I’m not totally qualified for this job, but I bring a lot to the table. I may end up getting hired.”
- “A lot of talented candidates have been out of work longer than I have. There’s nothing wrong with me. At least I’m trying.”
- “I can handle the uncertainty that job searching brings. I can handle whatever life throws at me.”
Job searching can be tough. The last thing you need is to bully yourself with your thoughts. Ditch your negative self-talk today and you may see a turnaround in your employment situation sooner than you think.
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