Optimism for the Unemployment Blues

Oct. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Jackie Monroe and Dr. Russ Buss bring optimism to Internet Radio every Saturday and Sunday on MIentertainment.biz.  This week's show explores the unemployment blues and the role of optimism in keeping a positive approach to the job search.

Lisa Wiley Parker a job search coach is the featured guest on this weekend's show - MI(My)Optimism: A Positive Place on the Radio.  The show will be broadcast 4 times on October 9 and 10 (2 and 5pm Saturday; and 9am and 3pm Sunday).  Be sure to tune in and pick up even more tips and ideas Lisa has for the unemployed!

With over a decade of experience in the recruiting and staffing industry, Lisa Wiley Parker is now focusing on providing direct support to job seekers looking to navigate this challenging economy. Through a Job Seeker Round Table she's organized on Meetup.com and new networking groups for unemployed professionals she is helping to launch, those looking for work have an ally in their quest to secure employment.  Lisa is also an active blogger on job search strategies. You can find her work at http://www.RecruiterUncensored.com.

Lisa has fun on the RADIO with Dr. Russ Buss and Jackie Monroe as they collaborate to apply two "Optimism Finding Tools" to the unemployment problem: The "Dr. Russ Bussters" and "Google the Day."  A "Dr. Russ Busster" is an Optimism Tip to "Busst-Up" Pessimism.  In this episode they explore the possible meanings of throwing the "unemployment blues" under, over and at the Bus(s).  Google the Day brings up heroic examples of overcoming unemployment difficulties captured in the lives of J.C. Penny and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Lisa gives some key advice to job seekers around the words "CAN" and CAN'T" when she says:  "It’s wise for job seekers to take the word can’t and toss it in the trash. No worries, this isn’t a post about all things being possible. I’m a realist who fully appreciates limitations. Limitations are part of the human condition. They aren’t mental fabrications. Do some people put more limitations on themselves than need be? Of course, but that’s a conversation for another day. The focus today is use of the word can’t in conversations with potential employers and networking contacts and the effect it can have."

Lisa further says:

"It’s been my experience potential employers respond more favorably to positive solutions-oriented people. Job seekers who highlight what they can’t do by speaking to limitations directly are much more likely to come off as negative or problem focused. The word can’t is a repellent to those wanting to hear about possible gains from having you on board versus focusing on the compromises or sacrifices."

She makes these specific suggestions:

"Some who read my post “It’s Like Asking For Directions” are probably thinking, wait a minute, you told us to be honest about our limitations. True, but you’ll notice I did so by talking more about what would work versus what wouldn’t. I’ll give some examples of what I mean. Consider your own reaction to each."

"I can’t work overtime or on weekends.  vs  I am consistently available to work Monday thru Friday from 8 to 5."

"I can’t take a job for less than $15/hr.  vs  I am able to consider positions at $15/hr and above."

"I can’t work too far from my home.  vs  Opportunities in (name cities/areas of town) are ideal."

"I can’t be on my feet all day.  vs  I’m best suited for opportunities where I am able to sit more than stand."

Lisa asks: "Do you see the difference taking the word can’t out of the equation makes in the overall tone of the message?  The information is still the same, but it is delivered in a way that speaks to what’s doable versus what is not. Presenting with a can-do attitude can be as simple as cleaning up the bad habit of approaching conversations with employers from the wrong direction."

To read more from Lisa, be sure to check out her blog. You can also follow her on Twitter: @RecruiterUncens.

Check out Lisa as the featured guest on the MI Optimism radio show as she chats with Jackie and Dr. Russ about job loss, job search, and how being unemployed affects attitude, as well as how having a GOOD attitude actually helps find employment!

Tune in Saturday 10/9 at 2:00pm or 5:00pm, or Sunday 10/10 at 9:00am or 3:00pm. Click here to go to the http://www.MIEntertainment.biz homepage.  When ready to tune in, just “Click to Listen In” in the upper right-hand corner of the page!

For even more optimism check out the Moment-to-Moment Optimism blog at http://www.drrussbuss.com

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At Moment-to-Moment: Our mission is to teach "skilled optimism"- how let go of a negative in a moment and view life as one continuous learning curve with multiple "do-over" opportunities. Products include a daily blog, seminars, publications, speaking, radio show, & coaching.