Keeping Your Spirits Up During a Job Hunt
Looking for work can take a toll on your ego – by its very nature, it invites rejection. And while rebuffs from prospective employers aren’t personal, they can try your self-esteem at a time when you need it the most. Even when you’re feeling discouraged, it’s vital to try to keep a positive outlook, and not just for the sake of your mental health. Employers gravitate toward those who appear motivated and optimistic, so a sunny disposition can enhance your marketability.
Answer the following questions:
1. Have you ever tried to find a job?
2. Was it a depressing experience or a cheerful one?
3. What helped you to have a positive attitude during a job hunt?
4. Do you have any advice for job-hunters?
Now read this article to find out what some specialists advise people to do during a job hunt to keep your spirits high:
Put it in perspective
A job loss may seem like a devastating blow, especially if much of your identity and sense of self-worth has been tied to your position. Perhaps you were a victim of circumstance (downsizing, a failed start-up, etc.) or have found yourself in an unbearable situation at work. Either way it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. But these feelings can hold you back from pursuing challenging opportunities. Instead of looking back at what was or lamenting about your current status, keep your eyes focused on the future and the ideal job that awaits you. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. At any given time there are thousands of smart and capable people in your situation.
Take a look at the situation in the context of the “big picture” of your life. A broadened view will help you see that this is probably a relatively minor setback in the course of your career – something that you may not even think about five years from now.
Don’t dwell on the negative
Everyone faces rejection during a job hunt, but it’s how you handle it and what you learn from it that can help you in the long run. Don’t view a “no” as a setback; instead, consider it a stepping stone to the right offer. Take a look at why you didn’t get the job you wanted. You may find there’s a valuable lesson in that experience that helps you with your next opportunity. Remember, too, that once you have found a position you are satisfied with, all those painful “no’s” won’t seem so important.
Patience, patience, patience
It takes time to find a position that’s the best fit for you. Try to remain focused on the search and trust that your hard work will result in the right position for you. Even though it’s tempting when you’re unemployed, avoid jumping at the first offer you receive unless it’s what you really want.
Build a network of support
Job hunting can be an isolating experience and you may feel you shouldn’t burden others with your problems. But seeking support and comfort from your mentors, friends and family is essential to remaining positive during your search. Reach out to people who care about you for advice, insight and encouragement.
Distract yourself
While it’s important to devote the daylight hours to research, networking and sending out resumes, you don’t have to spend your nights shackled to the computer. Take a class that inspires your creativity, join a club or go out with friends to your favorite spots; in other words, make time for fun.
Looking for a job doesn’t have to diminish your self-confidence and morale. By reaching out to others, putting the search in perspective and keeping your eye on the prize – a new position – you will not only find a job but you’ll be better equipped to handle any future career turbulence. You’ll have learned that you possess the wherewithal and strength to overcome a significant challenge.
Points for discussion:
1. Do you find these tips useful?
2. Do they coincide with what you stated before reading this text?
3. Is there anything you disagree with? What is it?
Source: http://www.webgrrls.com
Let’s enrich our vocabulary:
Business English is a very specific language and full of idioms. Let’s become acquainted with these idioms that will definitely help you to not be at a loss at workplace.
| Have an ace up your sleeve | If you have an ace up your sleeve, it means that you have something in reserve with which you can gain an advantage. |
| Hold all the aces | A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else. |
| Blamestorming | A discussion among a group of people, who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called “blamestorming”. |
| A blank cheque | If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation. |
| Blue chip company | This term refers to a company with a solid reputation for the quality of its products and the stability of its growth and earnings. |
| Above board | If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal. |
| Get down to brass tacks | People who get down to brass tacks start to discuss and deal with the practical details of something. |
| Get the show on the road | If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show on the road. |
| Bricks and mortar/bricks and clicks | An established trading company (office/shop) is referred to as a “brick-and-mortar” business.
“Click companies” refer to Internet-based operations. Companies which do both are called “bricks and clicks”. |
| Pass the buck | If you say that someone is passing the buck, you are accusing them of not taking responsibility for a problem and expecting someone else to handle it. |
| Carve out a niche | A person or company who carves out a niche focuses on a particular segment of the market, to which they supply a product or service, and develop their expertise in that area. |
| A cash cow | A product or service which is a regular source of income for a company is called a cash cow. |
| Cash in your chips | If you cash in your chips, you sell something, especially shares, either because you need the money or because you think the value is going to fall. |
Exercise 1. Match the words and word-combinations with their translations.
| 1. cash in one’s chips | a. перекладывать ответственность на других |
| 2. blank cheque | b. поиски виновных |
| 3. pass the buck | c. продукт, пользующийся спросом |
| 4. carve out a niche | d. приводить план в действие |
| 5. blamestorming | e. продавать что-либо, особенно акции, если полагают, что их стоимость снизится или срочно нужны деньги |
| 6. have an ace up one’s sleeve | f. солидный, престижный |
| 7. a cash cow | g. открытый, честный |
| 8. above board | h. карт-бланш |
| 9. get the show on the road | i. иметь козырь про запас |
| 10. blue chip | j. найти свое место на рынке |
Exercise 2. Insert the missing words.
1. Tom was given a _________________ and told to negotiate the best deal possible.
2. In today’s competitive market it’s better to __________________ and try to become the best in that area.
3. His latest invention turned out to be a real _________________ .
4. There are no secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been _________________ .
5. It’s usually safe to invest in a ________________ company.
6. OK! We’ve got all we need, so let’s _______________________ !
7. Andy ___________________ as soon as business started to slow down.
8. A _________________ session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press.
9. He ___________________ that could help him to be successful in this business.
10. You were the one who took on this job. Don’t try to _________________ .
Key:
Ex. 1. 1. e; 2. h; 3. a; 4. j; 5. b; 6. i; 7. c; 8. g; 9. d; 10. f
Ex. 2. 1. blank cheque; 2. carve out a niche; 3. cash cow; 4. above board; 5. blue-chip; 6. get the show on the road; 7. cashed in his chips; 8. blamestorming; 9. has an ace up his sleeve; 10. pass the buck