How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Secure Your Dream Job

We always recommend polishing your resume and application letter, brushing up on your interview skills and company info and giving that LinkedIn profile a quick revamp in order to shine in a job search. But when that’s not enough to land you your dream job, you might start to lose your confidence.

Self-confidence is one of the most unspoken critical attributes to job search success. Managers not only want to hire applicants who check off all the boxes relative to the job description; the reality is that bosses really want to hire applicants who are positive, motivated, and enthusiastic. A “can do” employee does a good job and makes the boss look good at the same time.

A Pew Research Center survey found that about half of US adults looking for a job are pessimistic about their prospects. Self-doubt rears its ugly head as negative self-talk that can wreak havoc on your thought process and impact your mental and physical health. However, while searching for a new job can present challenges, remember that yowu CAN succeed. If you’re prepared, organized, and positive, you may even find joy in the journey toward your ideal job.

Here Are 7 Tips to Help You Become a More Confident Job Seeker:

5 minutes

1st of January, 2023

woman working on laptop

1. Get Organized

Being organized reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Research positions you are interested in and the career path you want to pursue. Make a list of job postings you intend to apply for, interview questions you’d like to ask, people in your network you plan to contact. Small manageable tasks make the process less intimidating, give a feeling of control and can help you start to overcome any set-backs you’ve had. 



2. Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is especially important during a job search. To avoid exhaustion, burnout, and anxiety, practice good self-care. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Maintain activities that give you a positive, centered feeling. Involve yourself in social activities or volunteer. Remind yourself that you are a valuable person.



3. Build a Strong Support System

Everyone needs cheerleaders in their corner. Consider joining a group or an online community that offers support or social networking for job seekers. This is a good way to confirm that you are not alone in the struggles of job hunting. Conducting mock interviews with your support group is a great way to calm interview jitters and help you prepare answers for your virtual or in-person interviews, when the time comes. When you aren’t at your most confident or you experience rejection, having friends, family, or colleagues there to remind you of your positive qualities can do wonders, and time spent with friends can allow you to focus on your self-worth while also taking care of yourself.



4. Practice Positive Self-Talk

Self-appreciation is vital when it comes to boosting your confidence, and a good way to start is by recognizing your accomplishments. Remember previous successes and achievements. Talk with a friend or former co-worker about past contributions. Often, they see us more objectively than we see ourselves. Read old performance reviews to see what positive things your bosses or peers said about you. Positive affirmation can counteract negative thoughts and help you form a habit of thinking positively.



5. Take Action

The longer you wait, the greater the anxiety will become, and the more likely your self-doubt will flourish. Getting things going will raise your own awareness of your ability to change your situation and your future. You can make things happen, one step at a time, by setting achievable goals. In addition to completing applications:

  • Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Reconnect with people in your networks, like former colleagues and classmates
  • Learn something new: Check out opportunities for training courses in your field that might make you more marketable

Any actions you take, however small, can allow you to strengthen your sense of personal effectiveness and confidence.



6. Create a Plan for Rejection

Sometimes you get the job, sometimes you don’t. Either way, try to make a plan that includes learning from the experience. Focus on what you can take from this experience to the next interview rather than feeling rejected. Follow up with the organization that turned you down, if possible, for feedback, and let this inform your plan. It’s said that Edison made over 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times,” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times; the light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” The only failure would be not to try.



7. Seek Professional Guidance

Overcoming self-doubt can be easier with help from a mentor or staffing professional who can provide guidance and advice. Career consultants focus on connecting your skills and intelligence to top tech opportunities in your market. Akkodis knows the business and can help you find new roles or opportunities and discover ways to take your career to the next level.



What’s Next?

Finding a new job doesn’t happen overnight, and the road won’t always be smooth. But, remember that you have the resources to overcome obstacles along the way. Research shows that well-educated, intelligent, and accomplished people frequently experience self-doubt, so you’re not alone. If you take a risk and it doesn’t go as planned, you can at least feel proud you tried. Today is the best day to step outside your comfort zone and start the journey. Today is also the best day to get a career consultant! Akkodis is here to walk with you every step of the way toward landing your dream job. Let us be your career success partner. Find out how here!