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“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Let’s face it- the candidate experience can be brutal. You spend hours networking, pitching your skills and telling stories about your experiences. You’ve been on more “exploratory interviews” than actual interviews. But you still haven’t landed the full time position. It can really take a toll on your ego.

Your confidence begins to erode, and, often, you begin to doubt your capabilities. You begin to tweak your resume to be match key words in job descriptions so that you’ll squeak past their screening system. You begin to believe that you’re “not good enough.”

STOP!!!

Instead of trying to adjust yourself to fit what they want you to be LEAN IN and just be yourself. You are good enough! Focus on creating a personal brand that catches peoples’ attention.

4 ways to enhance your personal brand

BE memorable: A recruiter will take 60 seconds to glance through your resume. Add a line or two that will catch his/her attention. For example, I included, “Known as an authentic, inspirational leader who energizes teams with warrior-like spirit. “ A recent interview started with the question, “tell me about being a warrior.” Bam!

Rehearse your “2-minute elevator speech”: This should outline your ideal job, strengths and talents. Saying it over and over will remind you of all that you have accomplished.

Network with trusted colleagues: Connect with former co-workers or alumni who were strong supporters in past positions. Many of them will be able to advocate again for you. Plus, just being around them will give you a lift! Make sure that you end the conversation with, “How can I help you?”

Visualize yourself in the next role — waiting for an offer? Don’t fret! Map out what you would do your first 60 days and visualize yourself driving results.

Automated talent management systems are a black hole. You need to network with recruiters and colleagues inside a company to get your application to the top of the pile and improve your own candidate experience. Don’t get discouraged- stay in the game, and BELIEVE that you are MORE than good enough.

What do you do to keep your confidence up while job hunting? I look forward to hearing your comments.