by Lydia Fernandes

Looking for a job is, undoubtedly, one of our least favourite things to do.  With competition as fierce as it is, and with the job search process becoming more demanding, it is no wonder most of us end up in despair.  However, dwelling in this despair is counterproductive on many levels.  When we feel discouraged and miserable, we look the part BIG TIME!  We appear grumpy, crabby and unapproachable.  Does it feel nice to be around such a person?  Would you want to work with them?  Moreover, would you refer them to someone you knew who had a job opening? 

Smiling is one of the best things you can do to help you in your job search, both emotionally and practically.  From an emotional standpoint, smiling can actually make you feel better.  According to James W. Kalat, professor at North Carolina State University, “…facial expressions do reflect our inner feelings, and changing our facial expression can help to change our feelings too…when we smile we cannot feel angry, for instance, at the exact moment we are smiling!  It appears to be physiologically impossible…”  He further states that, “Smiling has proven to lower the heart rate and produce less stressful and rapid breathing”. 

But what about the practical benefits of smiling.  Consider that during your job search you will come across many people, both formally and informally.  Formal situations would include job interviews or pounding the pavement and handing out your resume to companies directly.  But some of the more informal situations include places where you could meet just about anyone—the library, grocery store, a gas station.  Believe it or not, these are all sources of potential job leads and make up part of the “hidden job market” - those job opportunities that are not advertised.  So think about this logically.  If 85% of jobs can possibly be found in this hidden job market, and you proceed with your daily activities with despair and gloom on your face, how many people are going to connect with you, let alone tell you about possible job opportunities?  Remember that when people refer you to their network contacts, their reputation is on the line as well. 

Still not convinced?  Here are some interesting facts:

·         72% of people think that people who frequently smile are confident and successful

·         86% of people are more likely to talk to strangers if they are smiling

·         Bosses are 12% more likely to promote an employee who smiles a lot

And if you say that smiling is not natural to your personality or culture, you can still make some adjustments.  I spent a number of years teaching and coaching internationally-trained professionals, and some of them would tell me that they were naturally reserved, or that in their culture it was not customary to go around smiling.  First, I told them that their job search success here may depend on it.  Then I asked them to think about the things that bring joy to them, such as their children or spending good times with friends.  As their faces lit up, I explained that the key to maintaining a happy exterior is to remind themselves of the things that are going well for them and the things they cherish the most…….and we all have at least a couple.  This attitude will radiate from you, and people will be more attracted to you more often.  Even in those occupations that we deem as less “people-oriented”, you are always going to have to work with someone else or deal with a customer where the human factor will be at play.  Many articles write about how you should smile when you’re on the telephone with a potential employer, because it exudes positivity and confidence. 

And that’s exactly right. 

But don’t just save your smile for the telephone.  Practice it at every social opportunity.  Even practice it when no one else is around.  Getting into this habit will serve you well in the long run.  Working in the field of employment for over 10 years, I have come across so many clients who had such a poor attitude and unapproachable exterior that I would not dare refer them to anyone I knew who had a job opening.  Unfortunately, you may not even be aware of how you appear, so try and make a conscious effort to pay attention to this. 

Now is the time to get people to notice you and remember you for all the right reasons…….your career may depend on it!