Stay focussed

It's hard to stay positive and focussed amidst some of the continual negative news. Latest headlines indicate future grads will have higher interest rates to pay on their loans, fees are increasing and above all there is a big question mark over whether a degree will help you land a job at all.

Well boys and girls, ladies and gents; we really do understand that this is your time to shine and it is certainly one of the most important stepping stones in your career. Your degree will put you in good stead to prove your academic achievements but a great attitude (and some amount of resilience) will help get you in front of a potential employer and stand out...

Beat the headlines, and stay focussed!

We polled a couple of colleagues in our office here at Right Management for some of their top tips for staying focussed and motivated:

• Think about the end goal - No matter how much or how little you think you are getting out of your day-to-day job hunt, a clear focus on what the end goal is, will help see you through. Persistence pays off!
• Find a benefit you can relate to - Whether this is about what your new job will do for your CV; or a matter of getting the day's chores out of the way, think of the benefits to you personally and steer ahead regardless.
• Plan, and follow it - There is an old saying "fail to plan and plan to fail"! A structured approach may not be everyone's working style, never-the-less a good plan will help you accomplish each task and see clear progression. It can even act as a fall back when inspiration is lacking.
• Satisfaction of a job well done - It's a great feeling to know you have checked something of your list, whether it's a daily task or landing that all important interview. Focus!
• Spend less time worrying, more time doing - Most people fall prey to this notion of thought at some point, but the motivator here is: The more you do, the more you achieve and the less you worry! Anxiety about the 'what if' factor is just your own personal hearsay.
• Don't let the negatives overtake the positives - It's all very well reading the news but the media does have a tendency to report on the bad as opposed to the good! Take time to seek out all the positive stories. Take a look at our quick links page for a start.
• Research - Dreams and aspirations form part of what makes us tick. In order to get where you want to be... you need to know where you want to be! Research constantly; who, what, where do you aspire to be?

For some more practical advice to support this article, including how to write your CV and prepare yourself for interview, please contact us for a FREE copy of our GradGuide2010.