The Phrases That Are Sabotaging Your Job Search

There is no denying looking for a new job can be tough. Not every door will open for you. You may not hear back from some employers. And you might even start hearing a voice inside your head telling you to abandon your job hunt. 

But guess what? That’s your voice. 

If you want to move forward with your job search and land an exciting new role, then you need to replace your negative self-talk with positive thinking and get out of your own way. 

Are these phrases holding you back from the new job you deserve? 

I’m not qualified. 

You might not possess every skill listed in a job description, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t a good candidate for the role. You won’t know unless you try! These days, employers focus on soft skills and potential, which opens the field for many job seekers. Instead of telling yourself, you don’t have enough experience, focus on the skills and value you will bring into an organization. 

I don’t have time to look for a new job. 

Job hunting can seem overwhelming, especially if you aren’t happy with your current position. Grinding out eight hours of misery at work can leave you feeling like couch surfing instead of job searching.  

But a new job won’t come to find you.  

If you want to stop feeling like you’re pouring your energy down the drain—then you need to find a way to make the time for your search. Try breaking the search up into smaller, more manageable chunks of time or assigning yourself “job hunt tasks” that help you feel like you’re making progress. 

I don’t know the “right” people. 

It’s never too late to network. You may not know the person who will help you find a fantastic new opportunity—yet—but someone you know might be their BFF. Put the word out that you are open to the right role, and it’s likely your friends will want to help your hunt. Explore online groups on a social network where you can connect with leaders in your industry, but remember—relationship building is a slow process. Be authentic and help others more than you ask for help. 

I tried—it didn’t work. 

Lack of success in your job hunt can make you feel stuck. But that doesn’t mean it’s true. You never know which search avenue will lead you to your destination, so you must keep taking the next step down the path. Don’t take rejection personally. Would you tell a friend to give up if their first few searches failed? Not likely. Tell yourself what you would say to a friend: keep trying! 

More on building confidence during the job search: 

Networking for Introverts: 3 Tips to Help Connect with Confidence 

Take the next step in your career with PrideStaff. 

PrideStaff recruiters can help you: 

• identify your marketable skills 
• polish your resume 
• improve your interviewing performance 

Find Your Next Great Opportunity

Contact your local PrideStaff office to continue your search for great job opportunities.