By Marvin Walberg

Everyone hits a slump now and then -- a period when you simply don't have your act together and your attitude goes down the drain. It happens to you, to me, to co-workers and employers, to professional athletes and even to movie stars.

Fact: Nothing has more impact on career [1] or job search success than one's attitude.

Fact: A negative attitude has a disastrous effect on productivity, job security, happiness and the morale of co-workers, employers, friends and family. A negative attitude infects others like a deadly virus.

Fact: You, and only you, have control over your attitude. You must make the first move to a positive attitude.

When athletes hit a slump, they turn to coaches; actors take some classes; students rely on teachers; employers and employees get regular training; and self-employed people seek workshops and seminars.

Job searchers are self-employed workers -- your job search is your job, and it can often be a lonely, depressing activity, leading to a deadly negative attitude attack. But you must start with a positive attitude.

 Here are some tips: 

• Know yourself -- your strengths, accomplishments, skills and ambitions.
  
• Know your job or career [1] objective. What do you want to do, why do you want it, and where are you most likely to find it?
  
• Identify employers who could benefit from knowing and hiring you.
  
• Practice communicating your objective in 25 words or less.
  
• Develop network contacts by getting involved in community and
  professional organizations, and by expanding your social contacts.
  
• Set your goals and priorities, then stay focused. Do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Do what others fail to do.
  
• Plan your day; work [2] your plan.
  
• Believe in yourself, and be persistent in proving your worth
  to others. Stand tall and remember that a positive attitude is the
  shortest route to success.

Marvin Walberg is a job search consultant in Birmingham, Ala.

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