When I saw this footage in a commercial, I knew I had to write about it. Not only is it the cutest commercial I have seen in a while but it also sends a very powerful message that is quite useful in a job search.
Optimism Case #1:
Jane submitted an application for a highly coveted position. Her friend told her, “You’re wasting your time because there are hundreds of applicants for this job.” This came as an absolute surprise to Jane. It was not because she did not know what her friend said but because she never thought it mattered. In her mind, she was positive that she had what it takes to be successful in that position. The company will choose only one successful candidate, and Jane believed she is the one. Thus, it did not matter if there were a thousand applicants. She knew she could be the one.
Optimism Case #2:
John is disappointed that he has been submitting applications for the past six months but has not received a single call for interview. He decided to share notes with Paul who has been fairly successful at getting interview calls. Paul approaches job search from his position of strength. He comes to the door not looking for work but offering value. He knows what his strengths are and he knows that he would be an asset to the company. He carries that mindset and it shows in the confidence in his handshake, his posture, and the words he utters.
Optimism Case #3
Chris just got a call from the company he applied to with the bad news that he did not make it the position for which he did an interview. He was disappointed but took it like a grain of salt. He knew that the rejection is not about him. It is about the job that requires a specific match not only in terms of the skills and qualifications but also about personality. It is not that there is something he lacks or something wrong with him. It is only that the company is looking for someone else. He moves on to the next opportunity with the same amount of enthusiasm and eagerness because he believes that he will be perfect for the next one.
Some people think that the cases above reflect naïveté, and at times, optimism very much looks like it is. Dictionary defines optimism as
a disposition or tendency to look on the more favourable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favourable outcome.
You have two choices in a situation: either to see the glass half-empty or half-full. Looking at the other side of optimism, it seems dark and gloomy. Not getting the interview or the job is bad as it is. Punishing yourself with the thought that you are a bad candidate will not help you in moving forward to the next application. When you find yourself in this place, I suggest that you take a large sip from the glass that is half-full.
