Our 21 year old undergraduate son just sighed in frustration after reading a newspaper article yesterday that was reflecting on the current job market for newly qualified graduates. The head line was enough to put anyone into a pit of despair. Luckily, however, there was hope within the fine print – phew! In summary, yes – entering into the job market is challenging and the path into it does look different to how it has been, HOWEVER there are new ways of connecting, new avenues of work and, with all this, OPPORTUNITIES. There is reason for HOPE.
I have always said that looking for a job is a job in itself and I am pleased when graduates become inspired through the process. This comes from the learning acquired along the way – learning about their industry; getting to know people within the field; becoming equipped to answer that tricky question, ‘so tell me about yourself …’; and, many become inspired to embark on an extra course adding to their knowledge.
Being hopeful radiates an energy that helps you to keep going. Being hopeful opens you up to fresh ideas. Being hopeful gives you the confidence to take action. And, hope is contagious.
So, choose wisely the conversations are you are a part of. Choose what you are reading and choose the friends that you are surrounding yourself with. Are your friends supportive, optimistic and helpful? In short, pay attention to what is encouraging, uplifting and with vision.
Each day is a chance to renew your approach and mindset to securing work Even if you are waking up ‘feeling’ despondent – tell yourself: I am excited about this day; I am well able; I am taking good action; there really are possibilities for me; and, I have the energy to do what I need to do. This is about proactively setting your intention. So, some questions for your to consider:
How would you act now if you were full of hope and excitement for your future?
What would you do if you were assured that your work is needed and valued and that you have an important role to play within your profession?
How would you be behaving today if you knew that you were already making a great impact?
What would this day be like if you knew that you and your work are greatly valued?
How would you be today if you were assured of real possibilities?
How would you be today if you were already successfully working?
When you are working excellently and professionally, how do you behave?
What does it feel like to have your work well received and complimented?
What does your very best self look and feel like?
Think of your responses to the above questions – and step into that person NOW, in a way that has integrity. Hopefulness changes your posture and your energy. Hopefulness fires you up and really does start a ripple effect.
So, keep seeking out hopeful stories; listen to words of hope and encouragement; offer hopeful advice to your peers; speak stories of hope to others. Be hopeful!