Tip: A Positive Attitude Goes a Long Way...

"I'll never get a job." "There are no jobs out there." "No one will hire me." "I'm not getting any calls back." "The economy and job market stink."  I could go on and on with all of the negativity that I hear from job seekers, the media, and the like.  And while some (or all) of these things could be true at one point in time, letting the negativity take over and allowing it to show to others can be a huge detriment to your job search.

Think about this: would you rather talk to someone who was always down and complaining about something or someone who was upbeat, positive, and looking to new opportunities/the future?  Or how about this: are you more likely to approach someone (a stranger) to ask for help if they are smiling (not creepily) at you with a friendly face or someone who looks angry and upset about something?

While no one can or should judge a book by its cover, we do make assumptions about how a person might act or react by how they look and act, especially a person's facial expressions or attitudes.  This means that the awesome first impression that you are trying to make with an employer of interest could start with your attitude when you are applying for that job.  It really does make a difference.

Here are some tips for keeping a positive attitude throughout the job search:

1.  Allow yourself time to do something you like to do each day.  It could be to read, sleep in, watch your favorite show, listen to music, take a bath, go for a run, play with your dog, spend time with friends, go out to eat, and so on and so forth.  Do whatever it is that makes you happy.  This will re-energize you and get your mind off of the job search.

2.  Start catching yourself thinking negatively, and then switch it to a positive thought.  This is when it really helps to journal and make note of the positive things that have happened each day.  Take all of the negative experiences (e.g., a bad interview) and write down what you can learn or have learned from that experience.  Use it as an impetus to do well in the next interview or submit an even better resume.

3.  Vent.  Talk to people about your search.  If you are frustrated, let it out on a friend or relative.  Get it out before you apply to positions or before you go into the next interview.

4.  Exercise.  Yes, this is a great way to relieve stress, but it's also a good way to clear your mind and get refreshed.

5.  Surround yourself by positive people.  That means turning off the news, stopping reading negative news articles online, and not spending time with all of the negative people in your life that try to bring you down.  Surround yourself with people and things that are positive and good for your job search.

These are just 5 small tips for getting that positive attitude out there.  The final tip: fake it until you make it.  Smile more.  Talk positively.  The more you do this, the more you will start to believe these things and act this way naturally.  Above all, be yourself and look forward to the new opportunities that await you.  You can do it, you just have to believe in yourself!