Self Image and Job Search

This blog is a plug for an upcoming workshop at the Waukegan Job Center—“How the Job Finds You!” on August 23rd. Even if you cannot attend the workshop, read on. This applies to you!

Do you believe a great job will “find” you? If you’ve been looking for work for three months or more , that statement might feel ridiculous. It’s not. Now, I’m not sure what speaker Jeff Garton has cooked up for this particular workshop. I'm quite certain that he's not advocating that you sit passively at home and do nothing toward finding your next job.

I have heard Jeff speak previously on the topic of “Career Contentment” and can tell you that he advocates the idea that your mindset leads to success and contentment.

Let me give you a negative example of this. Travis is a talented handyman who can fix virtually anything but isn’t terribly confident. Recently , he bumped into Sherry, an acquaintance, at a local restaurant. They exchanged brief greetings and went on their way. Travis knew Sherry works in some “high level” job at a large manufacturing plant. However, he made several assumptions when speaking with her. He assumed:
• her manufacturing company wouldn’t hire a general handyman—after all, they’re into manufacturing, right?
• he didn’t have adequate preparation or skills to work at her company
• she wouldn’t be interested in helping him find employment anyway
Imagine this scenario again. This time Travis knows his own self-worth and is willing to discuss it with someone else. Travis bumps into Sherry and displays a genuine interest in her career and company. He tells her that he’s been out of work and has been looking at the possibility of transitioning into manufacturing. He asks if she would be willing to evaluate his resume and offer him tips on making the transition. Since he doesn’t have a resume with him at the moment, they exchange contact information and go on their way. BINGO! Travis has just created an opportunity out of nothing. It’s possible that a job will “find him” from this chance meeting.

Are you like Travis? Do you downplay your own value and skills? Do you assume that opportunities are unavailable or unattainable? This mindset will cause you to miss out. What can you do to change? Why don’t you start by attending the workshop on August 23rd. Can’t make it? Listen to the podcasts on the Career Contentment website!