By Leah Colvin
Whether your foray into the job market is carefully planned or out of necessity, it can be stressful and intimidating. It is important to maintain your confidence during this process, as a lack in confidence can result in underestimating your abilities, which can lead to targeting positions that are below your capabilities or poor performance in interviews. Below are 4 tips to boost your confidence during your job search:
1. Banish negative self-talk
It’s important to master your inner voice to project self-confidence and avoid cutting yourself down when speaking with potential employers. The easiest way to do this is to look out for the words “don’t” and “not,” and reflect on the language you’re using. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t know the first thing about project management,” think about how you planned and executed your research projects. You likely started with a problem to study, used a literature search to develop a strategy and timeline, executed your strategy and modified it based on hypothesis-testing, and reported your results. These are each fairly standard components of project management. A helpful technique when reviewing a job ad is to write down each duty for which you think your experience may not match, and jot down things that you have done that are related to that duty. Soon you will find that you match much more closely than you thought!
2. Use your network
It can sometimes be difficult to assess your own fit for an employer or role, and an outside perspective can be helpful. When you’re facing uncertainty about which jobs you would like to apply for, it is worth researching who in your network has familiarity with the employer, the specific role(s), and/or the general field. Provide this person with a copy of your master CV or résumé, and ask for their opinion on what they think would be a good fit for you. They may even know someone who works for employer or in a similar role who could give you more targeted advice.
3. Practice makes perfect
Practice is key when preparing for an interview. It is worth preparing 4-6 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for behavior-based interview questions, and practicing them either in front of the mirror or with a trusted friend. You may even elect to set up a practice interview with a peer or Career Services staff. Practicing will build your confidence not only before, but also during an interview, as you will have many answers at your fingertips.
4. Don’t take rejection personally
Rejection, while unfortunate, is an integral part of the job search that you must master to retain your confidence. It is important to remember that being passed over is not about you as a person, but, more likely than not, your fit in terms of duties, background, and salary level. The primary role of a hiring manager is to evaluate a candidate’s fit for the role and the office culture. You may have prepared stellar materials, interview beautifully, and believe that you can do the job in your sleep, and still not land the job. This is often a blessing in disguise: if the hiring manager feels you are not a good fit for the role or unit, it is likely that you would not have been happy in that job, had you gotten it. Furthermore, it can be the case that the hiring committee believes that while you have excellent credentials, you’re a better fit for a different role, and invite you to apply to that at a later time.
While a job search can be daunting, you are the perfect match for a job and workplace, somewhere. Placing trust in your abilities and the process will give you the confidence that you need to secure a position in which you will be happy and thrive.