Giving thanks isn’t just trendy over the holidays. Books have been dedicated to the idea of thankfulness, Oprah episodes have focused on the joy of giving and gratitude journals have had their time in the spotlight.
But if you’re a job seeker or perhaps an individual who’s currently employed in a crummy job, what’s there to be grateful for, you might ask? Everyone’s situation is different – things for you might really stink right now. But the reality is that if you want to find yourself on the other side of a great job, you’re probably going to have to focus on what’s going well, rather than on the negatives.
Almost everyone has had a rough patch on the job – whether it’s not being able to find a job, being in work that’s either boring or too challenging, or dealing with an incorrigible boss. But if you become “that guy” at the office – you know the one, with a constant chip on his shoulder and a negative attitude – you’ll be well on your way to unemployment or a lot of miserable years standing between you and retirement.
For job seekers, it’s even more important to keep a positive attitude. It stinks looking for a job, especially after months of searching. But you’re just going to have to dig deep and find something to put a positive spin on your current situation.
Talking to recruiters I hear over and over again how important attitude is in an offer of employment. Now, a bright smile and sparkling personality aren’t going to make you a technical expert and land you a job you’re not qualified for, but it will put you in line above other qualified candidates – especially those who are a bit disgruntled with the job search. There are a lot of things that are annoying about looking for a job, or even career networking. But the recruiter or potential employer you’re chatting with doesn’t know this is the seventh job fair you’ve been to or the fourteenth resume you’ve sent this month. So find some way to make it feel like the first time, every time. Reward yourself with an indulgence every time you land a phone interview.
If you’re currently employed, happily or unhappily, a little gratitude and attitude will go a long way toward advancing your career. That’s not to say you need to be the yes man or buy everyone coffee each morning (that’s actually a bad idea – see related article, “Why jerks get paid more”). In today’s cash strapped defense and national security industries, contractors, in particular, will need to trade on both skills and personality in order to stay on the job. With fewer employees applied to various contracts, the quality, and attitude, of individuals working in those contracts will be more important than ever. If a company or agency is going to drop dead weight, they’re probably going to start with individuals who lack the teamwork and attitude to make things run smoothly, especially in the midst of challenges.
Thanksgiving is a great holiday to put your job search, or career path, into perspective. Are you glad to be in the career you’re currently pursuing? Are you finding the positive in what everyone will agree is a difficult job search? Be grateful for what you do have – a security clearance; a competitive industry, even in a challenging government funding climate; and friends and family to share today with.
Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com. She loves cybersecurity, social media, and the U.S. military. She’s thankful for good friends, family and great job. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email editor@clearancejobs.com.
