I’ve heard it said that fear is a powerful motivator. In some situations, this is absolutely true. A real-world danger like an intruder will certainly motivate a response. A less-immediate threat can incite a reaction as well. A negative economic forecast prompts business owners to tighten their purse strings. A rumor about layoffs motivates workers to show up on time.
But fear doesn’t always stimulate action. In fact, it can be paralyzing. Job hunters experience this type of fear all the time. It saps your energy. Makes you feel insecure. Stops you in your tracks.
I often advise job seekers to push fear out of the way to create room for a successful job hunt. This isn’t easy. Fear is hard to ignore and even more difficult to conquer. Some professionals don’t realize that fear is at the root of their inactivity. Others acknowledge the feeling but don’t know how to make it subside.
Instead of pretending it doesn’t exist, perhaps we should look at fear more closely. Peel it apart. Figure out what in the world is so scary about looking for a job.
I am not suggesting that you take a long, counterproductive wallow in your emotions. Just a quick peek to understand what you’re up against. See it, own it and begin to chip away at the influence it has over many capable job seekers. Here are three common fears:
Fear of rejection. Hunting for a job takes guts. You have to introduce yourself to people you don’t know and sell yourself as the best person for the position. But even if you do everything right. Even when the stars are perfectly aligned, the sun is shining and you have a job offer in your hands. It might not pan out. This hurts.
It’s best to build up immunity to the sting of rejection. To perceive it as a roadmap that points you in another direction. The key is to recognize the feeling and then refocus your attention on the big picture. Again, it isn’t easy. But once you know that fear of rejection is getting to you, give it a nod. Respect it. Then, step around it and do what you have to do.
Fear of the unknown. Uncertainty is a major part of job searching. You aren’t sure how to write a solid resume, contact employers or establish a rapport during interviews. On a more fundamental level, you might feel insecure about finding a steady job of any kind in a tumultuous economy.
Rather than allowing fear of the unknown to bore under your skin, be proactive. Study the latest job hunting and resume writing practices. Meet people at local companies so you’re in the running when jobs come available. Remind yourself that businesses open their doors each day. People are eating, driving and entertaining their families. Things are getting done. There are jobs.
Fear of unemployment. Money is a genuine concern for many people — a real-world issue that touches their daily lives. If you are afraid of unemployment or worried about finances, stand up and stare this fear in the face. Let it transform you into an organized, determined — and yes, fearless — job hunter. Stop falling victim to unproductive emotions. See it. Feel it. And then move on.
Contact Eve at Eve.GetaJob@gmail.com.
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