Blog Post: First, get dressed

Working people get dressed in work clothes to go to their jobs. Looking for work is the job of an unemployed person. Therefore, unemployed people get dressed to look for work. Maybe my logic isn’t the best, but you get the idea. All things job seekers can do to make their job searches more effective are worth doing, right? Getting dressed for job search is one of those little things that can have big results.

So, first, get out of PJs, grubbies and exercise outfits to begin your daily job search activities. Yes, even while job searching at your computer at home—and, especially, if you are home alone. Getting dressed in “work clothes” or a “success outfit” signals your body and mind to get to work and to be effective.

Think about it: you already have work clothes, an interview outfit, vacation clothes, etc. Different attire goes with different activities. If this seems silly and too much like putting on a costume to make phone calls and push a few computer keys, it really isn’t. Match a “success outfit” with your job search activities. Experiment with it for a week and notice the differences in your mood, attitude, behavior--and your results.

To select your job search outfit (or outfits), ask yourself questions. Does this outfit make me feel like a winner? Do I associate a successful time with this outfit? Does this outfit go with the type of work I want? Does this outfit show that I care about the results of my job search efforts?

Some people also add “success jewelry” or accessories to their outfits. Experiment with wearing jewelry that reminds you of good times and successes from your past. Rings, bracelets and watches are in front of your eyes during every job seeking activity, so make them reminders of your past and future successes. You know that success breeds success. Go get dressed now.