When I talk with job seekers that have been searching for a new position or transitioning into a new career the discussion of the competitive market and high rate of rejection often comes up. During these conversations I usually see three different types of attitudes emerge. I see those that those are personally hurt by every resume sent out that receives no response. Those same people also, after hearing repeated rejection, are somewhat depressed with their job search and move very slowly for fear of more rejection.

Then I talk with job seekers that have a quite different attitude. They have something cynical to say about every missed opportunity or company connection that didn’t work out. They project a tough attitude that they probably think will keep them protected but it comes across as harsh and uncaring, and if I were a hiring manager I would think it might be a hint of someone who is not easy to work with.

Finally my favorite, and the type of job seeker all others should strive to be like are those that are the gracious, helpful and thankful job seekers that resume writers, career coaches, recruiters, HR and hiring managers love to work with. They are pleasant and always try to put their best foot forward no matter what the outcome looks like.

Remember, a pleasant attitude will be remembered long after your work history.

During my conversations with job seekers I often ask what their goals are, what they have done so far with their job search, how they follow up and if they send some type of Thank You note. By far, the group that most often sends a note of thanks is the job seeker group with the positive attitude. Not only do they send the interviewer a note but they also send notes of appreciation to contacts, referrals and anyone that has helped them along the way, again – regardless of the outcome.

Talking with my clients and job seekers I meet on line and in person at networking events, social media communities and at job fairs, those that have the quickest success are those that are working to help themselves and others and those that regularly give thanks where it is due!

Many debates occur whether thanks should be given in person, over the phone, via email or hand written using snail mail. For different situations different formats are better but truly, any thank you is better than none. With more than 75% of hiring managers expecting some form of a Thank You note and only 35% say they regularly receive them, there is a big gap. In this competitive economy, every opportunity should be taken to get in front of important contacts and those that can refer you to target companies or decision makers. Thank You notes do just that.

So, where do you fit in? Are you sitting in neutral feeling a bit sorry for yourself, blaming everyone else for your unsuccessful job search or are you pressing on in your job search leaving a trail of smiles and Thank You notes? If your way is not giving you the results you are looking for, make the decision to change today and start with a Thank You letter.

When I think of Veterans Day I usually think of the protectors of the past. Those that marched off to war before I was born or was just a little girl. I think of the few left that I now see marching in the streets in parades while trying to still fit into their uniforms from long ago wars. I think of my grandfather and my father-in-law who both served in World War II and all those men and women lost in the Vietnam War.

But as I turn on the news this morning I see today’s soldiers. The soldiers that are keeping my kids safe and letting me live in a free country through their selfless service. I watch as they show clips of troops in the Gulf and Afghanistan, soldiers patrolling our boarders, helping flood victims and protecting our leaders.

Today I want to remember you. I want to say thank you for your service, your loyalty and bravery because your choices are helping keep my choices alive. Thank You and may God bless you and keep you safe.

Monday’s PMA

Memorial Day is a day to remember and show our gratitude for the soldiers that have served and even died for our country, for our freedom, for our liberty, for our happiness and for me.

What better examples of a positive mental attitude than the attitude of a soldier! What an example! Soldiers learn to develop and maintain a winning attitude that helps them stay focused, stand strong and move forward, confident of a positive outcome because of their positive attitude.

Thank you so much – to the soldiers that keep me and my family and my country safe and free. Thank you to the families of the soldiers for supporting them in their efforts. Please know that my gratitude and prayers go out to you and every day. God Bless You!