Job search self-efficacy and career self-management

smiling person using laptop

When we’re confident in ourselves and our capabilities in the job search- we promote our success. While traditional wisdom might encourage us to focus on our weaknesses, we want to nudge you into taking a more empowering approach.

Infographic: Scarcity in the job search

Scarcity is a common experience for unemployed job seekers who are faced with lack of opportunities and resources, loneliness and social isolation, and little to no feedback. When we’re low on resources, we focus on our immediate and urgent tasks. Scarcity driven “tunnel vision” causes us to neglect tasks we don’t deem priority, but that might be beneficial for us to do in the long term.

The psychology of scarcity

Regardless of your situation, job hunting can be a stressful and all-consuming task. These effects can compound when you’re facing all the situational, financial, social and psychological pressures accompanying unemployment that trigger scarcity.

The big 5 personality traits in the job search

"The big five personality traits in the job search"

Employment personality testing is a common but frustrating practice. It’s often used by employers to determine our value or simplify who we are. However, these assessments can also be valuable tools for job seekers looking to learn more about themselves.

How personality tests can help you in your job search

Last week we talked about personality tests: why employers use them, what they mean and which ones might be helpful. We talked about how frustrating it can be as job seekers when employers use these assessments to determine our value and simplify who we are- creating barriers to the next steps in the hiring process. But, we don’t always realize how these tests can be valuable tools for us when we’re looking for a job.

The power and frustration of personality assessments

Many employers use personality assessments to identify candidates that “fit” in their organization.

Employers don’t share results often, especially if you’re not selected to move on. This lack of transparency in the process can be frustrating. It’s especially frustrating when we put a lot of time and effort into that application.

We know that the search for meaningful work is different for each of us. This two-part blog on employment personality testing will shed some light on these assessments and their construction.

Self-blame is undermining your job search

Losing a job and undergoing a job search can be intensely frustrating and anxiety-inducing. It can feel like a road to nowhere when the odds aren’t often in your favour. The competition for the best roles is fierce, and the chance of early success is unlikely. Especially when many of us fall victim to our biases, believing we’ll be back to work quickly.

With job loss, we lose basic human needs

Job loss can cause us to lose many of the basic needs that contribute to our mental wellbeing. It’s these unexpected losses that contribute to the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty we often experience during unemployment.

Job loss and its profound impacts

The process of planning and executing a job search can be difficult, especially when confidence in ourselves or our job-seeking skills may be low. It’s natural for motivation to fluctuate, particularly when we don’t appreciate how our feelings and emotions can impact our engagement.

The hidden mental health crisis faced by job seekers

This ongoing crisis hides in the isolation and anxiety of the 25 million people laid off annually in North America. It isn’t trendy or well-publicized. At times it’s not even recognized by those in the reemployment industry, but it’s there.