What do you do after a day in front of your computer, typing out resumes, sending emails and making phone calls and feeling like you’ve made no progress in your job search? How do you manage your stress and keep up the momentum in your job search when you’re starting to lose hope? One of the ways that you can keep your spirits high is to have a group of positive people in your network who can be your job searching cheerleaders!
Cheerleaders, yes, I said cheerleaders. While you are job searching having your own cheering section can make a huge difference. Now, I am not suggesting you get a posse of perky people to stand in your kitchen screaming out various cheers; although that would be quite the alarm clock! What I am referring to are people in your life who you can go to for support, advice and a boost when the going gets tough. These people could be friends, family members, a mentor or even an employment consellor.
It has been proven that a support system can help people maintain a positive outlook and keep motivated. Motivation can be hard to keep up when you are having struggles. Having someone to encourage you can help keep this from happening. Another benefit is that a problem shared is a problem halved; simply voicing your challenges out loud can relieve some of their weight. Also when we have good news its positive effect can be multiplied by being able to share it!
It’s hard to admit when things are tough though, when the money is getting tight and the bills are piling up. You may not want to ‘burden’ your friends with your troubles thinking they have enough problems of their own. But everyone needs a friend or at least someone that they can vent to, run ideas by and share the tough times with.
Keep in mind however, not everyone makes a good cheerleader. We all know people who see the clouds before it even rains. These Cranky Katies or Dismal Davids are not your best choice for a support system. They complain about everything and can always give you a reason NOT to do something. You do NOT want these people on your support team. You want someone positive, encouraging and who will tell you that you can DO IT!
Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who has a husband, wife or life partner who can be this person for you. But if not, you may have to look a little harder. Your friends can also be part of your support group or perhaps a family member. Before selecting someone to join your network, review the qualities a good cheerleader will have:
►They have a positive out look on life, a true optimist.
►Encouraging, they’ll tell you “YOU CAN DO IT!” not all the reasons you can’t.
►Sympathetic, understand that it is tough looking for work; they aren’t going to tell you to “Get over it” or say that you’re being lazy because you haven’t found a job yet. They will tell you: “Wow, it must be tough looking for a job!” “You’re working hard!” and “Don’t give up!”
►A realist, who will tell it like it is, not just say what you want to hear. A person who is a straight shooter! They will know when you need some tough love or a light hand.
►Experience being unemployed; knowing that someone has been through a similar situation can be invaluable.
All of these characteristics maybe tough to find in one individual, but if you look around you should be able to find someone to fit the bill.
If you don’t have any friends or family to support you in your job hunt don’t forget about us at Employment North. We have employment counselors, people that can assist you in and be a part of your support group. We have an invested interest in your success! We like to see you reach your goals! Believe me; we get VERY excited when the people we serve get jobs!
Also, we are implementing a Mentorship Program geared to matching individuals who are in need of support with successful people, who are available to offer encouragement. The goal here is to have available support people to assist and guide those who might not have a sufficient support network. Contact us at Employment North to get your own hand-picked Mentor.
So, after your long day of job searching, instead of putting on those zebra printed pjs, cracking that beverage and turning on the TV to tune out all your job search frustrations, pick up the phone and call your cheerleader! I guarantee your self-esteem and your job search will benefit!
“Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)”
{Dr. Seuss…Oh! The places you’ll go!}
