These are the Traits of the Job Search Mentality

There’s something that separates the candidates who succeed through the interview process from the ones who struggle.

It’s not a secret. It’s completely accessible.

But a lot of candidates refuse to use it.

I talk to dozens of candidates every week. The ones who make it all have something in common: a great job search mentality.

What is the job search mentality?

In my experience, it's a mentality of willingness, fearlessness, and gratefulness.

The candidates who are willing to jump through the hoops in the job search are the ones who get jobs. They’re willing to network, build projects, learn in public, create content, and participate in the community. I’ve written a lot of content about how to get started with networking and community building. Check it out.

These candidates are also fearless. They reach out. They’re not afraid of rejection (even if they get rejected sometimes). Fearlessness is important because most hiring managers don’t go out of their way to check in with people they don’t know to see if they need a job. You’ll only get what you want if you ask for it.

Why are these qualities important?

Let me give you an example.

A little while ago in a morning meeting, one of our account managers had a candidate who recently interviewed. The candidate was super negative during the interview process. They bashed their former employer and former clients. When the account manager called the candidate with feedback, the candidate began to berate the account manager.

This candidate didn’t demonstrate kindness and empathy toward the prospective employer or toward the account manager. Those qualities are going to define that candidate’s job search because there’s a direct correlation between the people who are kind, the people who are bitter, and where those people go in their careers.

If you look at obstacles through the lens of gratefulness, you’re more likely to see opportunity when it’s there.

Did you get rejected?

Be grateful that you made a new connection in hiring.

Did you fail a technical interview?

Be thankful that you learned an area that you need to improve.

Did you get ghosted?

Appreciate that the other person’s schedule might be busy and follow up with them later.

Do you see the pattern?

And hey, I get it — the job search is tiring. If you’re feeling exhausted right now, I’m not trying to invalidate your feelings. Sometimes it’s overwhelming.

All I’m saying is — if you turn your tiredness into bitterness, it’s over.

If you take a step back and actively look through the lens of willingness, kindness, and fearlessness, you’re far more likely to find the opportunity you’re looking for.