ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! You’ve seen it on posters with accompanying tag lines of “Is yours worth catching?” I believe this poster should be on every college student’s wall. Getting a degree will not help you reach your goals, if the personality and attitude you display to prospective employers is one of little motivation or worse, an attitude of entitlement.
Pursuing higher education degrees and certifications is only one piece of the gainful employment puzzle. If you focus all your energy on your grades and graduate with a high GPA, but do not approach your job search with the same positive zeal, then you are destined for failure.
I have been in the career counseling field for 15+ years and cannot tell you how many times employers have stressed the importance of a positive attitude, an optimistic outlook, a can-do philosophy, whatever you want to call it, when they are seeking new hires. An employer can train you to do their job. They cannot train you to react positively and professionally in busy and stressful situations.
Your attitude is first conveyed with a cover letter of introduction that uses words to convey enthusiasm and a resume that clearly outlines what you have to offer an employer from a personal qualifications and an interpersonal standpoint. Use words like optimistic or positive when marketing yourself.
At an interview, this positive attitude is further exemplified in your strong confident handshake, your warm smile, and your assertive communication style when you meet your prospective employer for the first time.
Finally, your great attitude is further emphasized in your vocabulary and overall demeanor. So what does your attitude say about you? Want to know how you are perceived by others? Let’s do a little test – ask the people closest to you (friends, parents, spouses, relatives, etc.) to give you five adjectives that describe your personality. It is important to know how you are perceived by others, as this is a microcosm of how a prospective employer might see you.
Then ask yourself if you are happy with this perception. If not, what can you do to change your outlook and your attitude? Remember – Attitude is Everything! Does yours need an adjustment?
