The Carolina Panthers Playoff Game and Your Job Search

Congrats Carolina Panthers, you've made it to the post season! This weekend the Panthers take on the Cardinals! It's been an interesting season for the Panthers and there have definitely been some ups and downs, but they haven't given up yet. This is the kind of determination that is needed in your job hunt, especially in our economy right now.



The South Carolina Employment Security Commission wrote an article about Keeping Your Spirits Up during the job search. Some of that advice included:

• Listing out your positives. In the same way we can recognize key players, you need to know your key strengths. By doing this you can recoginize the things you are good at that will give you confidence to address them in your cover letter and interview. Use these to relate to the job tasks that are listed in the job description.
  


• Remind yourself. Sometimes you need to remind yourself of the good when you don't get the call back or land an interview on an application. Remember the things that you have been successful at and the things you've accomplished. This will help you know your strengths and weaknesses so that you can build upon your strengths, instead of focusing on your weaknesses.
  


• Picture and Build Success. Visualize positive outcomes: like a touchdown pass for example. Play out the scene in your mind and make a to-do list of the things that will help you to get there. Imagine that great Hail Mary pass and then set up the play. Make sure they are small and acheivable. Setting good goals will keep you positive and your confidence high.
  


• Surround yourself with positive people and help others. Good vibes and positive energy will come that much easier if those who are around you are supportive and encouraging. Sometimes, too, helping others who are also in need not only will fill up some of the time while you are not working but also take your mind off of your own needs for awhile. Plus volunteering is a great way to build your network and sometimes get experience for a new career.

So hopefully the Panthers can visualize the win this Saturday night, stay positive and keep their confidence high to actually succeed in a win--So far the outlook is good. Especially in times like this when there seems to be more people without jobs than jobs available. Still, a positive attitude can go a long way - it may very well be the thing that gets you the job (or a ton of great touchdown passes and a killer defense, perhaps?).

To follow the Panthers through the playoffs, check out Panther Tracks Blog from the Charlotte Observer.

- Rosie Reilman, Photo courtesy of Carolina Panthers