We seldom pay attention to the most important aspect of the job search – how it affects us internally. We concentrate on the externals (what we can and have to do). However, the internal process is the engine that drives our job search.

How do we deal with rejection? How do we keep our energy positive? How do we create sustain enthusiasm in our search? What kind of image do we project?

Our internal compass is just as important as the external aspects of what makes an effective job search. Of course, I do not want to downplay the need to conduct all the aspects of an effective job search such as writing an effective resume to ongoing networking.

Here is why I think we shy away from thinking about how our attitude and our personal qualities affect our behaviors:

• We surround ourselves with friends and colleagues who think like us.
• Action. Our culture puts a premium on doing things.
• Checking out our attitude might seem hard to measure.
• Different perceptions about a people (rapport, interviewing). Sometimes, we are unaware of how people really think about us.
• When we become negative, our friends, family, sometimes distance themselves from the us. Isolation does two things: It prevents you from getting feedback, and reinforces self-defeating behaviors.

Positive Attitude/Optimism. How many times have you caught yourself saying, "I won’t get that job." "Why bother applying?" "I really don’t feel like looking for a job."

Positive attitude affects performance. Stanford professor and psychologist, Albert Bandura, conducted numerous studies and research on the concept of self-efficacy In other words, individuals who had self-efficacy or a positive self-concept felt could affect and control their fate were better equipped to deal with the outcome.

Flexibility. Follow the old adage, “When opportunity knocks.” Many times, we have such tunnel vision, we do not realize when a real opportunity comes along. Let me give you an example. I recently attended an association meeting of human resources professionals. I was sitting next to a recent college graduate who had just completed a year internship with a small company. I asked her where she wanted to work." I was offered the human resources manager position at ABC Company, but I really want to work for Apple Computer."

She had an opportunity: a small company who liked her work, the possibility of molding her personality to fit her work; she could influence and affect her work. However, she had tunnel vision—aspiring to do what most other people want to do, work for a large company when in fact, a great opportunity fell in her lap.

Having a sense of humor/balance. When you are out of work it is hard to have a good sense of humor. You don’t think about laughing when you are feeling miserable and struggling to pay your mortgage or rent. However, it is important to surround yourself with your friends who will cultivate your sense of humor and give you a balance. Go to the movies. Share laughs with your friends in person and by email. Laughter is great medicine. Listen. Soak it all in. Ask for advice from your friends and colleagues, and your network to expand your own personal self-knowledge. Be open to what you hear.

Time management. Manage your time and plan. These are critical skills that most job seekers forget. Your strategizing and organizing comes about evenings and weekends. The implementation comes during the course of the work day. I have noticed many applicants doing tasks that they would be better served doing during other periods of time. Networking, cold calls, interviews are all vital things to do during the 9 – 5 schedule.

Staying focused. Know what your objective is. Always know where you are and where you are going. An old saying goes like this: "If you don’t know where you are going, you will end up somewhere else." Follow-through/persistence. Over the years, I have seen applicants do: what!?

Follow-through/persistence. Over the years, I have seen applicants put very little attention to follow through; for instance, the networking process, keeping connected with others in good times and in bad.

Reflection. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same behavior over and over again, and expecting to get a different result. It is important to reflect on what is working and what is not. Look at what signs, or signals, or what life’s coincidences have brought you. And if you must, slightly re-shift your focus.

An effective job search is more than doing the right things, it also includes having the right mind set and traits. Having effective personal qualities and traits will get you to your ultimate objective.