Everyone has doubts while they are in job search. Learn how to strengthen your self confidence in life and job search. The process begins with small steps and positive thinking that we will explore in the session. You can apply these principles throughout the days and weeks ahead to gain confidence from day to day.

1. Confidence
Building
in Job Search
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
December 11, 2018

2. 2
Introduction & Notes for session
My Background
Media & Marketing Research Career
McHenry County Workforce Network Volunteer
LinkedIn Workshop Presenter & Blogger
General Notes for Today
Copy of deck is available upon request
Workshop is interactive
My contact info is on last page
Discount for JCLC clients on my consulting fees

3. 3
Outline & Goals for session
Outline
Defined
Recognizing the need
Concepts
Actions
Vision and Optimism
Building career transition confidence
Goals
You are not alone
Mindset
Action steps
Suggested readings

4. 4
Confidence - What is it?
A feeling or belief that you can do something
well or succeed at something
A feeling or belief that someone or something is
good or has the ability to succeed at something
The feeling of being certain that something will
happen or that something is true

5. 5
Identifying the Need for Confidence
Low self-confidence behavior
Dismissing compliments offhandedly - “It was easy
to do; anyone could have done it.”
Working hard to cover up mistakes
Fearing failure & avoiding taking risks
Modifying your behavior based on what others think
(Mind Tools, n.d.)

6. 6
Identifying the Need for Confidence
High self-confidence behavior
Accepting compliments graciously - “Thanks, I really
worked hard on that proposal”
Admitting your mistakes and learning from them
Taking risks and going the extra mile to achieve
more
Doing what you believe is right, even if mocked or
criticized for it
(Mind Tools, n.d.)

7. 7
Confidence

8. 8
Building Confidence in 3 Stages
Self analysis
 SWOT and positive thinking
Set goals
 Measure success in small steps
Start Stretching
 Increase goals as confidence builds
A Daily Confidence Building Step
(Mind Tools)

9. 9
SWOT

10. 10
Confidence Building Concepts
Stop comparing yourself to others
Keep your thoughts positive
Accept all compliments with “thank you”
Find positive input
Associate with positive people
List your past successes
Celebrate your qualities
Do good deeds for others
Find your passion
Be yourself and be proud of it

11. 11
Confidence Building Actions
Personal Hygiene
Monday best
Revisualize yourself
Self analysis
Be generous
Positive actions
PMA – Positive Mental Attitude
Eliminate negative thinking
(Babauta, L.)

12. 12
Confidence Building Actions
Smile
Set standards
Posture
Competence building
Speak confidently – slow it down
Goal setting & achievement
Do away with a bad habit
Solutions – issues not problems
Boys Scout’s motto – Be prepared
(Babauta, L.)

13. 13
Confidence Building Actions
Give of your time
Be grateful
Exercise
Knowledge building
Stop procrastinating
Active lifestyle
Start small
Clear off your desk
(Babauta, L.)

14. 14
Confidence
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your
abilities! Without a humble but reasonable
confidence in your own powers you cannot
be successful or happy”. Norman Vincent Peale
Power of
Positive
Thinking

15. 15
Vision

16. 16
Vision
Visualize your self in a positive light
Prepare mentally for situations
Muscle memory & mind memory
Laugh
Smile
How to be more confident

17. 17
Optimism
Glass half full or empty?
Silver lining behind dark cloud
When opportunity knocks, open the door
Failures provide learning opportunities

18. 18
Confidence in an Interview
Research the company and position
 Company website, news, management team, etc.
 Position key words, duties, salary.com, etc.
Prepare story examples that illustrate skills
Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
Have work history and reference details
Take several copies of resume
Dress for interview
 Overdress rather than underdress
 Appropriate for position, e.g. Ad Agency
Be Prepared to answer questions

19. 19
Behavioral Type Questions
How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
Give me an example of how you set goals and
achieve them.
Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an
example of your working with a team.
Tell me about how you worked effectively under
pressure.
Relate when you had to enforce a company policy
that you did not agree with personally.

20. 20
Standard & Oddball Questions
Why did you leave your last job?
What did you learn at your last job?
What have you been doing since being laid off?
Why were you fired?
How much does the earth weigh?
How far away is Alpha Centuri?
What animal or tree would you like to be?
What kind of cookie would you want to be?

21. 21
Five Tough Questions Videos
John Heaney offers advice for these tough questions
“Tell me about yourself!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s
“What are your greatest weaknesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
“Why should we hire you?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcoat4ifHoY&feature=related
“Why do you want to work here?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s
Search Google and YouTube for additional interview Q & A

22. 22
Confidence in a Portfolio
Resume
Examples of your work
e.g. Spreadsheets, Memos, Proposals, Presentations
List of accomplishments
Letters of recommendation
Military service
Certificates, Degrees or Licenses
Transcripts and/or continuing education
classes
Volunteer activities
Thank you notes from vendors/clients
Recognition photos or completed team projects

23. 23
References
Babauta, L. (2007, December 9). 25 killer actions to boost your
self-confidence. Retrieved from http://zenhabits.net/25-killer-
actions-to-boost-your-self-confidence/
Cuddy, A. (2012, October 1). Your body language shapes who
you are | Amy Cuddy | TED Talks. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
Halpern, D. (2013, May 30). How to be more confident (use this
technique). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TduT4-Z-uEQ
Mind Tools. (n.d.). Building self-confidence: Preparing yourself
for success! Retrieved from
http://www.mindtools.com/selfconf.html
Mind Tools. (2011, April 1). Building self-confidence: Learn how
to boost your confidence with these three steps. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtVja0WfnIs

24. 24
Upcoming Events
McHenry County Workforce Network
500 Russel Court, Woodstock, IL 60098
Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying On-Line
Thursday January 10, 2019 from 10am – 12pm
LinkedIn Basics and Best Practices
Thursday January 24, 2019 from 10am – 12pm
Guide for Winning Interviews
Thursday January 24, 2019 from 1pm – 3pm
Registration required
Lake Villa Library District
1001 E Grand Avenue, Lindenhurst, IL 60046
LinkedIn Basics and Best Practices
Tuesday January 16, 2019 from 7pm – 8:30pm
Registration required

25. Questions?
Feel free to follow up later or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Job Center of Lake County Clients
Eligible for a 20% discount on my consulting fee
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/