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Posted by Dr. Sean Harry

How to “stay cool” on the job search.

In the spirit of the terrific summer weather we’ve been having, I thought I’d write this post on “staying cool during the job search.” However, in this post I’m not talking about the weather. I’m talking about staying calm, cool and collected. I’m talking about outwardly appearing as if “not having a job is alright, because I’m waiting for the right fit to come along”, while inside you are thinking, “OMG! I NEED A JOB! ANY JOB, AND I NEED IT NOW!!”

When you are dating you want to play a little hard to get. If you come across as needy you probably won’t get a second date. You don’t want to scare off your prospective lover, so playing it cool is a good option.

The same is true of the job search. If you look or act desperate you won’t get many interviews. Now I’m not suggesting that you should act as if you aren’t interested. If you really want the job you need to express your desire and abilities to do the job well. If you really want the job you should ask for it – close the deal. What I’m saying is that you should “stay cool” — act more like a Consultant than a desperate job seeker.

Here are the 5 steps I recommend you do to “stay cool” in your job search.

1. Show Up – Woody Allen once said, “80% of success is just showing up.” You would be surprised how many job seekers don’t show up, or show up late to interviews and important meetings. Be there. On time. Every time. (Where do you need to show up today?)

2. Pay Attention – Look around. What do you see? There may an opportunity for you or someone in your network. By paying attention you will be able to see what that is. (To what do you need to pay attention today?)

3. Breath – Sometimes job seekers get so caught up in their job search that they forget to take any time for themselves. How would breathing help you right now? Try it. (When will you breath today?)

4. Speak the Truth – There’s no need to embellish your resume or fib on details. Besides, that kind of activity will always come around to bite you in the end. (What opportunities can you find to speak the truth today?)

5. Let Go The Outcome – We often worry about things over which we have no control. Work on the pieces you can (your elevator pitch, your resume, interviewing skills, networking, etc.), and leave the rest to fate. (What do you need to let go of today?)

If you feel like the job search is heating up, I recommend you try following these 5 steps. They will help you stay cool, which is a good thing in the job search!

Happy hunting!

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• Monday Staff Meeting: The BEST Job Boards to Use In Your Job Search
• Monday Staff Meeting: The Hiring Game
• Monday Staff Meeting: Getting the MOST Out of a Job Fair

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Dr. Sean Harry has more than 20 years of experience in training and motivating people to achieve their goals and reach their highest potential. He has helped accomplish this as a Career Coach, as a University professor, as a Pastor, and as a Motivational Speaker.
You can find him on twitter: @sharrypdx, and @careers20