Research indicates it helps to be willing to learn

According to recent research, people who are focused on learning are more successful in getting their ‘dream job’.

The joint study, carried out by the University of Missouri and Lehigh University, found that those with an emphasis on gaining knowledge were able to maintain or increase their intensity. Those who didn’t have the same attitude, on the other hand, were much more likely to experience a decrease in their drive.

Daniel Turban, one of the study’s authors, said: “We found that jobseekers who have a 'learning goal orientation' or a natural disposition to learn from every situation in life, tend to be more successful in achieving their career goals.”

Mr Turban, along with other researchers, sourced this information from surveying 120 college students at varying points of the job searching process.

Though the experts conceded that some individuals are naturally more focused than others, the leading author, Serge da Motta Veiga, believes that attitudes can change with some help.

He commented: “Jobseekers can be trained to improve their learning attitude. Such training could help them realise that the stress and failure they experience while searching for a job is not a bad thing, but instead represents an opportunity to learn from the process and determine how they can be successful at it."

As a specialist in executive, leadership and life coaching in London, I wholeheartedly agree with the above statement. Sometimes, as I wrote recently, we tend to make plans for our private life and ignore our own business.

Something as simple as a corporate plan can often help drive personal commitment and focus you on the task at hand. If you’re an active jobseeker then make a point to question yourself – where do I want to be and how do I get there?

I believe that people are only limited by their own thoughts, beliefs and hence actions. If you feel as though you are limiting your potential, then life coaching may be a good idea.

For any more information on how I can help you and/or your employees, please feel free to get in touch. You can give me a call today on 0203 151 6830 or find me via email at info@directions-coaching.com.