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Bounce Back:

Why Resilience Is So Important in the Job Search

best qualities for job search

When it comes to finding a job, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. It’s hard work and it takes a serious commitment on your part to ensure there’s a positive outcome (AKA landing a job offer!). After a few weeks of applying for positions and hearing nothing, it can be downright defeating. The trick is to stay optimistic and persevere. No one is going to hand you your dream job, you have to go after it with everything you’ve got and show your future employer you are the kind of person who doesn’t quit when things are hard, you stay with it and get to the other side. Being resilient is a highly sought-after quality in the workforce of today. Are you being resilient enough when it comes to the job search?

Today, we’re sharing some ideas about how to keep the job search bouncing along.

A different department may have the perfect position waiting for you:

You could have applied to one department, but a new department has not seen your resume and may be a better fit. Your skills may not match exactly and that is okay. What it’s really all about is: how do you stand out? How are you going to make a positive difference and contribution in this role?


Try a new approach with your resume:

Take the additional time to create a new resume for each position you plan to apply to. You can move the education section around or modify the summary of qualifications (add to it/delete from it based on the position qualifications) to better the chances of it being reviewed. Try doing your resume in a different format like a functional (focus on skills/experience) type rather than a chronological format.

An attitude of gratitude goes a long way:

Be grateful for every opportunity. When you don’t get the offer, look at it as the opportunity was not the right one for you, rather than taking it personally. Remember every callback, every interview means that you’re a top candidate out of the pile of several. Think of all the positive traits you bring to the table and don’t dwell on what you don’t have to offer. Also, avoid showing any signs of resentment during an interview – it may be the 300th time you’ve done an interview, but it’s the first time you’re meeting this new employer.

Network and talk to new people:

You never know who you’ll meet. Even if you’ve tried a method before, you haven’t tried it with this new connection or with your new, positive outlook, or your freshly updated resume. New business cards can also help you stand out and network more effectively.

Refresh your job search skills:

There are always new things to learn whether its technology that can help with your search, what the best resume format is for getting noticed, how to give a personal elevator pitch that slays or interview techniques that will help you make an amazing first impression. Find a local organization that holds seminars and networking events to build your skills.

About the Author

Angela Milkie-Stokes

Angela Milkie-Stokes, Resource Manager

Angela brings a mix of Human Resource knowledge and Student Affairs experience. She enjoys advocating for people with specific needs in the workplace. Angela can speak conversational Spanish and played the flute for more than 10 years! In her free time, she likes to read, be outdoors and spend time with friends.

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