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Why confidence is the most important skill to have when job hunting

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When job hunting, it is very easy to get so focused in on what skills we think recruiters are looking for that we forget to maintain one of the most vital skill sets of all: confidence. Recruiters and interviewers alike pick up on low self-esteem, and it can easily become a factor in rejecting an applicant. High self-esteem is something that doesn’t come easy for many people, but, like any other skill, confidence is the most important skill to have when job hunting.

Know who you are

Being self-aware can boost confidence when done right and sabotage us when done wrong. This may sound too simple, and many job seekers assume that they have done enough soul searching by just filling out an in-depth application. Take care to apply for jobs that you are suited for, forgoing ones that you are either under-qualified for or over-qualified for. A rejection stings for either reason.

Know where you are

The truth is that, when dredging through hundreds of job openings online, it is easy to see skills you don’t have and begin to doubt your own capabilities. While it is always important to try to develop career skills, know where your gaps are and then become okay with the fact they are only temporary. Doing this will allow you to confidently speak about the skills you do have.

Develop a confidence network

Pay attention to the way that you feel around the people you spend time with. If you routinely leave a conversation with someone feeling more negative than you started, it may be time for a break from them. Pay special attention to building a supportive network of people that you associate with both inside and outside your industry. Family members, friends, previous co-workers, and mentors can stay with you throughout this job search and beyond and are worth their weight in gold.

Find a way to re-energise

Job hunting is far more involved than it used to be. With so many moving parts, it can be easy to lose track of what the endgame is. This is completely normal, and it is important to take a step back when things feel too chaotic or oppressive. Schedule some time in to relax, mentally refresh, and rebuild your stamina to be able to hit the search with renewed energy. This will not only help with your confidence in job hunting but will make you more pleasant to be around for friends and family as well.

Again, while confidence is something that for so many does not come naturally, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved. Keep posting those applications. You are amazing, and we can’t wait to hear about your success.

Do you think confidence is the most important skill to have when job hunting? Let us know in the comments below.

Eileen O'ShanassyWhy confidence is the most important skill to have when job hunting

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