What's the best way to gain enough confidence to try for an office job?

Question

I grew up poor and I've done manual labor all my life except for a little time when I did some work-study at college. I got a degree to make a better life for myself, but I just don't have the confidence to try for professional-level or even entry-level office jobs. Apparently, the work-study gig didn't do it for me. I can't go back to what I was doing before because I have student loans to pay off now. How can I gain confidence to go for something different? Right now I feel like I made a mistake by going to school, but I don't want to give up. Counseling is out

Answer 1

Think of it as a acting job.. no one knows what you feel inside unless you let them.. look in the mirror and pretend like your at your interview.. act like someone you have seen on tv or in real life.. do it until you feel comfy.every day you need to try something that makes you uncomfortable till you feel good about it. i was just like you ..but i try hard every day to feel good about myself its hard but it can be done..one thing i hate is going to lunch by myself , i hate when a good looking man faces me when i eat in a diner .i feel ugly ..so i do it ! i dress up go to lunch alone and sit across from the best looking man in the place smile and look into his eyes..it gives me great confidence .. i love it when i can make them blush.. than i won! try it...

Answer 2

Oh Precious do NOT worry

Go get you a great outfit, fix your hair and makeup to look professional this is for you because when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you do good!!!

Check out shows like "How do I Look" or go to your local bookstore and look for magazine pictures even go to office building in your area or the area you are looking to work in the office ~ see how they walk dress etc.

Also, if you go to unemployment offices they will help you get the resume together as well as free classes to help you build confidence in what areas you are lacking.

Staffing companies ~ go to them and ask them for help and just tell them where you lack confidence, they have tutorials and will help you in any sort of dress or etiquette.

Don't worry we all are born the same so you just have to get out there and build up w/ job experience ~ leasing apartments is a great stepping stone as they like to train unexperienced people.  You CAN DO IT

Think it

Be it

Do it

Think Be Do!!!!  

Answer 3

Confidence can be found in the little things, like dressing the part so find a good professional suit you can mix with your wardrobe and create a few good outfits for the office. Looking like you belong in an office can help you feel like you belong in one. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member with common questionaires you can find online. You can even go so far as to contact companies and ask their advice on how to interview for certain jobs. Mostly, you need to feel comptent and able, so remind yourself that you are educated, hard-working and ambitious and that you deserve a good job. You've worked hard to get what you want so don't stop now- go get it! After a few interviews, you begin to understand how the process works, like the questions they ask, how other people interviewing dress, how they speak, appropriate language, etc... so you'll pick it up quickly. And don't get discourgaed by a few rejections- that only means you haven't found the job made for you yet. If you're qualified and show you are willing to learn and progress, then any employer would be glad to hire you. Good luck!

Answer 4

Where are u from vietnam? just go ahead with your school and looking for a job , I mean you have to go with flow.

Answer 5

Try volunteering for a non-profit organization for a short while (they may end up hiring you once they see your work ethic). Most local papers list organizations that are looking for volunteers. Look the paper up on line then query 'volunteer'.

Join a public speaking group like Toastmasters International. Check on line @ http://www.toastmasters.org/. You will be able to find a local club. Go as a guess to all that are near you. Look for a group that you feel comfortable with.

Don't give up! Your confidence will grow from your pursuit.