Motivating job seekers
Whether the job seeker is a young person or an adult, keeping motivated during the job search process can be difficult. It takes courage to call employers, be interviewed, and pick oneself up after being told you didn't get the job. It takes belief in yourself to know that the right job for you is out there and to pursue it, with determination and a positive attitude, over an extended period of time.
When your children are looking for work, continue to let them know you believe in them. Remind them that job search can be stressful for anyone and to take care of themselves by:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Sleeping regularly
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Having a budget for their living expenses
- Scheduling time for job search and other activities
- Having a plan of action for their job search
- Seeking help when needed
Encourage them to take concrete steps to reduce their stress and discouragement. Make the job search a learning experience by following these suggestions:
- Review their skills
Go over their job application information, resume, or portfolio. This can help them remember their skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Reviewing what they can do and have done will help them remain encouraged and positive. - Connect
with others
Family and friends can be your children's support network, although sometimes it is difficult to talk about feelings with people who are not going through the same experience. If that is the case, encourage them to find a support group where they can. Many workforce centers and college career centers have organized groups. - Use positive self-talk
Remind your children of their accomplishments. Encourage them to remind themselves often that they are a good and competent person. Remaining positive can make other people glad to help you. - Listen to motivational speakers
Most libraries and video stores have tapes by motivational speakers. A local church or community agency can also help. - Increase their skills
They can increase skills through projects, hobbies, workshops, and training courses. Taking steps to increase or improve skills can help them feel better about themselves. This has a double advantage of putting them in contact with other people. - Do volunteer work
Keep skills active by volunteering. This too adds to self-confidence and a positive sense of contributing.
Adapted from the Oregon Career Information System, "Job Search, Step
10 - Stay Positive" at http://oregoncis.uoregon.edu/webcis/,
copyright 2006, University of Oregon. Used with permission.