Regain Confidence Following a Job Loss

Job loss can take a heavy toll on an individual’s self-esteem and may negatively impact that person’s confidence during a job search. If this happens to you, the following may help you regain your confidence and land a job you desire.

Focus on Strengths and Accomplishments

If you’ve lost your job, you may also have lost sight of your strengths and the value you can bring to an organization. If so, it’s time to make a list of all your strengths and professional accomplishments so you can play these up in your resume, cover letters, and interviews. Rebuild your confidence by reviewing your list regularly.

Be Mindful of Your Language

Confidence, or lack thereof, is often demonstrated in your verbal and body language. Consider what your words, tone of voice, and body language may be telling a prospective employer. Employers look for job candidates who are confident in their job skills and persuasive about their ability to do the job. Practice interviewing; focus on using positive word choices and declarative statements like, “I have the experience and skills to do this job.”

Make Sure Your Internal Voice is Positive

When a person is unemployed, his/her internal messaging can be negatively focused on shortcomings or past mistakes. It is very important to change this negative to be more positive. Shift your mindset to focusing on your past successes, your strengths, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Don’t Take It Personally

It’s difficult, but don’t personalize it if you were part of a company’s downsizing or when a job offer from a new employer has yet to come your way. Several factors impact a company’s decision to lay off or to make job offers, and many of these have no reflection on your abilities. You can’t change the past, so keep your attention on the future as you market and sell your experience and skills to prospective employers.

Remember too, don’t be afraid to turn to family and friends─or even a professional resource, like a psychologist─for emotional support after a job loss and to help you get back on track and regain your confidence.