Help, I have no self confidence

[annerk]

Join Toastmasters. You will be surprised at how much your self-confidence will rise very quickly by participating in that club. It will be good for networking during your job hunt as well.

[lovetheduns]

Also, see if any of your close friends will interview you or see if they know someone who will just do a mock interview. Maybe they can get some typical questions off of the internet and you can call them at some point in the week and then they can go through the interview questions so you get used to talking about your strong points.

[stepka]

Originally Posted by Alaskan Mutt

For many years I did not try to advance where I use to work simply because I felt I did not have the ability to do the job. Looking back, almost every position I was interested in but did not apply was filled by someone more clueless than me.

How true that one is. When I see some of the teachers I work with, I know I can do a better job. Most of them are pretty good, but some of them? I don't know how they keep a job. I have been told I have a gift, but I guess I just don't know how to present that to a future employer, and these video interviews are awful.

It really is a problem of confidence b/c I know that I have what it takes to be a great teacher--it's the jobhunting part that kills me. Also, follow through is often a problem for me. I do the interview and the resume and all, but then forget a thank-you note or something like that. Maybe I need a check list. Anyway, these are all great suggestions folks and many thanks for your help.

[seeniorita]

Originally Posted by stepka

How true that one is. When I see some of the teachers I work with, I know I can do a better job. Most of them are pretty good, but some of them? I don't know how they keep a job. I have been told I have a gift, but I guess I just don't know how to present that to a future employer, and these video interviews are awful.

These are the words you need to keep in your head when preparing for AND during your interview. THEY are looking for someone to fill a need and you have to know that YOU are able to do it. I think you are focusing too much on preconceived notions of what they want or look down upon. You have done a wonderul job and you need to KNOW that in your job searches.

Here are a couple of things that help me:

I always carry a portfolio/daytimer with me and when I have a interview, I go ahead and address & stamp my envelope. After the interview (while I am in the car) I go ahead and write the note while it is still fresh in my mind. (the day can really get away from you and the next thing you know a couple have passed) Then when I get home, just drop it in the mailbox and its done.

Role play interviewing with your daughters. Depending on their age, you can have them come up with questions or you can provide them. This way you will become comfortable with responding to questions.

Best of all, everytime you look at your children, know that you helped to make them what they are and if you are proud of them you should be proud of yourself too! Best of luck!