How Self Confidence Positively Impact Your Job Search

By Dorcas Karuana,

At some point, you have been in that situation where you wish you had a little more confidence, and assertiveness. For instance, that time at an interview where you mumbled and your voice showed you were not sure of yourself or you were shot down by a colleague, with no courage to come up with a comeback. Not to mention that time when at a network meeting where you stood in the corner, hoping some friendly person would come talk to you so you didn’t have to pretend you were writing notes or texting.
Confidence is a key behavioral trait of all high achievers. Action comes from confidence. Confidence comes from action. No wonder, successful people become successful because they truly believe that they will succeed. As such, you need to focus your intention to be of service to those around you. However, do not control people or outcomes, of life.
Am sure you have heard most men look for women who are confident, they can express themselves, and they believe in themselves and are focused. The same case applies to women, they do not like men who beat around the bush and cannot say these words, “I am in love with you.” This comes with confidence.
Having low self-esteem where you work can have a dramatic effect on your job performance and have a negative impact on how others perceive you. When people know that you are not confident in your abilities to do the job then management will start to take notice. This can make you stagnate in your career as you won’t get promotions at work. Also, it impacts on the people who want to socialize with you at the office.
So how do you build your self confidence and be professionally assertive in your work environment?
Building your confidence can take you places. For example, I once entered the office of a CEO without an appointment, without anybody stopping me including the guards and the secretary, just because I talked with confidence, walked in with confidence, and my dressing made me more confident.
You just need to reprogram the way you think about yourself, your image, your abilities and your goals. Positive thinking is not something we are used to doing, but can have huge impacts on your self esteem and in turn your professional assertiveness. Your career, image, your connections and friends and lifestyle are all connected to the way you view yourself. Positive thinking will lead to positive outcomes.
Another factor in building your confidence is to actively pursue your goals. Believe they will happen, and take steps towards this. I am defiantly not saying that by imagining something it will appear, I am saying actively pursue it, work towards it, everyday contribute to it. You need to believe that you will get where you want to go.
Fake it ’til you make it, hold your head high and show how confident you want to be! Even though you might not be there yet. Ask for What You Want. Asking for something can be hard, especially if you don’t feel confident. But sometimes we must put on a brave front even if we don’t feel like it. Make requests so that you get what you want.  If you want a salary increment; say it to your boss. If you need clarification on something, just ask. I mean have the confidence to express yourself.
Dorcas is a Human Resource Consultant at Corporate Staffing Services. Email: dorcas@corporatestaffing.co.ke. Website www.corporatestaffing.co.ke.