I can say I’ve been in this boat many times and still am, but I want you to take a deep breath in and release a new you. Today starts the era of a new confident job applicant. A few wise people have told me that in order to be successful, you must go above and beyond your comfort zone; those wise people are mom and dad. Yes, my parents are always the ones keeping me motivated when I can’t seem to motivate myself. We all need to hear someone tell us, “you are better than what you are settling for, you can do wonders with your talents, etc, etc.” So the question is, why are we not pushing ourselves more? When we first type in a job webpage, we initially find ourselves scrolling for hours, looking for something that sounds a bit more on our “level” and also doesn’t seem so intimidating. I’ll admit I would skim a very long explanation of the job and requirements, later telling myself I do not qualify. Wait, I do not qualify? Where did I get this idea from? Mom and dad were just telling me to go out of my comfort zone, and that novel was supposed to be my first step. I later went back to that job description and decided to thoroughly read through every single detail. Once I did this, I still had minor doubts, but I felt that the worst thing that could happen is I don’t get a reply. I won’t know if someone on the other side of the computer is laughing at me thinking how someone with such “low” qualifications could possibly think they are worthy. The problem is we overthink. We are scared of putting ourselves out there with the fear of being turned down. This, however, is not a healthy approach. It is important to do whatever it takes to get that energy and motivation back. If it takes blasting 80s rock to get you motivated, do it. if it takes running a half marathon and coming home all energized and ready to apply, do it. if it takes eating a whole pint of ice cream and getting an energy fix, do that too (cookie dough is always a good option). Do whatever it is that gets you feeling confident. We are all different and all have different ways of raising our energy and confidence. You don’t have to look to others and try to be like them. Of course sympathizing and discussing helps, but be yourself on this journey. Get out of your comfort zone and do something good for yourself. The reason I put “level” and “low” in quotations is because we are not unexperienced and we are certainly not on the lowest level. We always have to remind ourselves of our accomplishments, of how far we have come. If you need someone to tell you, then ask them to reassure you, but this is something you have to do for yourself. Here are a few daily steps in opening your confidence each and every day, as well as some steps to applying with more confidence.
Daily confidence boosters:
Well, there they are: 10 steps to boosting confidence and applying like a pro. Don’t forget that you are special, unique, and awesome in your own way. Now, go out there and show the world what it’s missing. Featured photo credit: Alejandro Escamilla via unsplash.com
