Are you a glass ½ empty kind of person? If so you might want to try pushing yourself to be a little more positive. Yes things are hard, but you gotta keep on going. I just read this article that was pretty interesting. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-r-hamilton-phd/positive-people-live-long_b_774648.html So I guess you have to ask yourself, are you a positive or negative person?

Just got a job at a company that I have been applying for for a long time, had to look through my paperwork what the job is. Im enjoying every minute of it so my advice is to stick with it and don't lower your standards.

After seven long months of sending out resumes and failed interviews, I finally got a job today. For anyone that is struggling like I did, keep at it. It will happen. You will be okay. Patience and persistence.

Life is so HARD, but you CAN get through this. Take this as a sign that you need to pick yourself up and keep going! Whether you were fired, quit, were laid off, or had to leave your past job you can begin again. We all have our stories and our tough times, but remember this...it's how we rise when we fall that matters. Focus on the NOW and never quit!! I am looking for work myself too (have an interview this week, woo hoo!) and it's so frustrating and tough that somedays I want to scream, but then I remember that I CAN do this, and so can you. Thanks for listening.

Yesterday, I missed who I use to be. I missed the girl who had something to be proud of when I had a job and a life. I missed the girl who was genuinely happy in her own skin. I missed the girl who would look in the mirror and not see every flaw. I missed the girl who didn’t let the negative words of others bother her or feared rejection. I was tough, I was strong, I really missed who I was. TOMORROW I have a job interview and I am proud, happy, and confident once more. Even having a small glimmer of hope is enough to keep us going. Don’t lose yourself friends. Up until yesterday, I did. I forgot how awesome I am. I am not perfect, but when I want to be I can be really great at the things I do. Don’t forget who you are, where you come from, and ALWAYS look to where you are going.

Take this info with you into job interviews, because after all, companies look at not only what you do, but WHO you are. MANY of these can be used during your job search process and even when you land the job (because I know you want to keep it)!

Here are some examples of how to be awesome.

How many do YOU already do?

-Being optimistic and having a positive outlook -Reaching for, finding, and living your passions and dreams -Facing your fears and overcoming them with confidence -Leading by examples of honesty, integrity, and thoughtfulness -Helping others and giving back to your community, however you can -Treating others as they deserve to be treated: with kindness and respect, unless they are not deserving -Continue growing, learning, evolving, and participating in the world, helping to make a difference -Having the courage to stand up for yourself and others -Being able to raise your voice when no one’s listening -Being of high character and having moral values -Bringing out your inner creativity and showing it to the world

AND now the not so awesome, you want to AVOID!

-Being narcissistic and selfish, thinking only of yourself and your own needs -Treating others badly because of your own situation -Feeling sorry for yourself, taking your aggressions out on others, and being a Debbie downer -Being greedy, selfish, corrupt, dishonest, unfaithful, asinine, or any other type of monster -Being pessimistic and overly negative

When you compare the list there are so many more ways to be awesome than not, so no excuses ; )

What are some of the reasons that YOU are awesome?

Avoid these 6 pitch mistakes! A pitch is a clear, brief message that is ALL about you. It communicates who you are, what you're looking for and how that employer can benefit from hiring you. This can happen on an interview, in a chance meeting, at a networking event, or pretty much anywhere there is a hiring opportunity. So avoid these so you don't blow it!!

1-Speaking too fast. Yes, you only have about 60 seconds to impress, but try to avoid cramming 15 minutes of information into one minute. You will just sound weird.

2-Using highly technical terms, acronyms or slang.You want your pitch to be easily understood by any audience. The last thing you want is for whoever is listening to you to feel dumb.

3-Not being focused. This isn’t just ANY conversation and you’re not discussing the weather (unless that’s your job, in which case, never mind). Keep your pitch clear and focused.

4-Not practicing what you’re going to say. First, write down your pitch. Read it over. Have your friends and family read it. Does it make sense? Make sure it flows well and that there aren’t any spots that feel awkward. Then practice it. Practice it again. Keep practicing it until it becomes easy and comfortable to say and get it memorized in that brain!!

5-Being robotic. This is all about a face to face interaction with someone you want to impress. Having an easy, approachable, conversational style to your pitch will get you much further than an overly rehearsed speech.

6-Not having a business card with you or other things someone can “take-away.” Okay, you’ve sold them on you…now how are they going to get a hold of you when they decide it’s time to bring you in? Make sure you always have something on you to pass on that will allow people to not only remember you, but contact you later on to follow up. Don't be afraid to grab one from them too!