The #1 trait our most successful jobseekers have

In my years of advising hundreds of candidates I've noticed a key trait among the highest performers:

They consistently frame challenges in a positive light.

Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, they view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Here are ten common challenges job seekers face, along with both positive and negative framings of each:

1. Rejection After an Interview

Positive Framing:

"This rejection is a chance to learn and improve my interview skills. I'll ask for feedback and use it to better prepare for the next opportunity."

Negative Framing:

"I didn't get the job because I'm not good enough. This process is pointless and discouraging."

2. Not Hearing Back from Employers

Positive Framing:

"Silence means I need to follow up and show my continued interest. It's also an opportunity to apply to more positions and expand my options."

Negative Framing:

"They're not getting back to me because they aren't interested. I'm probably never going to get a response."

3. A Job Posting Requires Skills You Don’t Have

Positive Framing:

"This is a chance to identify and learn new skills that will make me more competitive. I can take courses or gain experience in these areas."

Negative Framing:

"I'll never be able to get this job because I lack the necessary skills. I should just give up."

4. Facing Stiff Competition

Positive Framing:

"Competition means the industry is thriving. I can use this as motivation to refine my application and stand out even more."

Negative Framing:

"There are too many applicants. I'll never be able to compete with them."

5. Receiving Constructive Criticism on Your Resume

Positive Framing:

"Feedback is invaluable. It gives me clear direction on how to improve my resume and make it more effective."

Negative Framing:

"My resume must be terrible if it needs this much improvement. I don't know if I can fix it."

6. Networking Events Feeling Overwhelming

Positive Framing:

"Networking events are opportunities to practice my social skills and make valuable connections, even if it's just a few meaningful interactions."

Negative Framing:

"These events are too overwhelming and I never make any good connections. It's a waste of time."

7. Job Applications Taking Longer Than Expected

Positive Framing:

"The job search process takes time, but every application is a step closer to finding the right fit. Patience and persistence are key."

Negative Framing:

"This is taking forever and I'm getting nowhere. Maybe I'll never find a job."

8. Receiving a Job Offer That’s Not Ideal

Positive Framing:

"Receiving an offer is a positive step forward. I can use this as a negotiating tool or as a stepping stone to better opportunities."

Negative Framing:

"This offer is disappointing and below my expectations. Maybe I'm not worth more."

9. Learning About a Company’s Poor Reputation After Applying

Positive Framing:

"It's good to be informed about the company. I can use this information to ask critical questions during the interview or decide if it's the right fit for me."

Negative Framing:

"I wasted my time applying to this company. This whole process is just frustrating."

10. Balancing Job Search with Other Responsibilities

Positive Framing:

"Balancing different responsibilities teaches me time management and prioritization skills, which are valuable in any job."

Negative Framing:

"I can't focus fully on my job search because of my other responsibilities. It's too much to handle."

To summarize:

The way you frame challenges can significantly impact your job search experience and outcomes.

It’s one of the biggest differentiators between slower and faster performing jobseekers we’ve supported.

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