If you just lost your job, it would be reasonable to have a bad attitude for a day or two. But after that’s it’s critical that you are able to knock the chip right off of your shoulder and fast so it doesn’t become a habit and get in your way.
Ask yourself if potential employers are seeing a calm and assertive person or, are they seeing an angry person?
A poor attitude bleeds through a job search just like a poker “tell.” It is visible in the tone of your voice or the tone of your cover letter.
It manifests in your body language, your facial expression and even the content of what you say.
If you have a bad attitude, try this assignment:
- Take a piece of paper and write at the top, “Benefits of My Bad Attitude”.
- Now use bullets like you would on a resume and make a list of all the benefits of having a bad attitude.
Nothing on the list, right?
If there is a list, please stop and think about the fact that you just made a list of all the benefits of a bad attitude.
This doesn’t make sense. I bring up making a list because when I pose that question in presentations to unemployed workers, people actually take out a piece of paper and start making a list.
There is no list of good reasons to have a bad attitude. You must change present yourself as friendly, calm, and assertive.
Get past your anger before you start job hunting. I tell people to use positive self-talk.
Should you be saying, it will take forever to find a job, or should you be saying, everyone always finds a job and the only variable is how long it takes?
Your brain is greatly influenced by what you say, so cut out the negative comments and remember this. Members of your network and employers alike will always favor the candidate that has a pleasant, can-do attitude. Wouldn’t you