Praise is SO nice to receive. Just yesterday a CIO client said to me that an exclusive executive headhunter told him that his resume was the best he’d seen; not just recently, but in his entire career. Considering this particular headhunter had placed some seriously heavyweight candidates, I naturally performed an impromptu dance of joy when I heard that, especially when this follows numerous incidences of positive feedback on his resume as my CIO client goes about his job search.

It is very gratifying to know that you did a good job and that you’re getting recognised for it, but it made me think just how important receiving validation is in lifting spirits and raising energy levels.

Do you make sure you have your list of “atta boys” handy? Performance appraisals, emails where you have been singled out, customer satisfaction surveys, awards and bonuses–there are numerous ways you can be recognised at work.

As well as being crucial in shaping your resume and personal branding statements, your file of “atta boys” (or atta girls) can be just the motivation you need when the job hunt is long and appointments all too few. Balance the inevitable ‘unsuccessful candidate letters’ by taking a few minutes to look through the volumes of positive reinforcement you have received throughout your career to boost and maintain your energy and spirit. You never know — that short trip down memory lane may suddenly bring to mind a colleague that could be of influence in your job search.

Keep a binder, online file, work document or update your jibberjobber site and maintain your file of atta boys…you never know where they may lead.

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