The Power of Optimism in Career Advancement and Job Searching

Many senior executives and experienced professionals focus on skills, experience, and networking to advance their careers. But there’s one element that often goes unnoticed, yet it has a massive impact on leadership, job searches, and career success: Optimism. Optimism helps us approach challenges with confidence, see opportunities where others see roadblocks, and lead with a mindset that attracts success. This week, I sat down with Victor Perton, founder of the Center for Optimism, to unpack why optimism isn’t just a feel-good philosophy, but is a strategic advantage in your career.

What We Know About Optimism and Success

• Optimism is what separates high-impact leaders from the rest. Gallup research shows that employees seek positive, forward-thinking leaders. You may lose influence without realizing it if you're not projecting optimism.
• Your mindset affects hiring decisions more than you think. Two equally qualified candidates walk into an interview—one is energetic and confident, the other is cautious and skeptical. The optimist almost always wins.
• Rejection isn’t failure, it’s redirection. Optimists don’t dwell on missed opportunities—they see them as stepping stones. If you’re struggling in your job search, your mindset could be the missing link.
• The best leaders and professionals intentionally cultivate optimism. It’s not something you’re born with—it’s something you develop. Simple daily shifts in how you speak, engage, and process setbacks can change the trajectory of your career.

Overcoming Job Search Disappointments with Optimism

Making it to the final round of interviews and not receiving an offer can be one of the most disheartening experiences in a job search. The disappointment is amplified when feedback has been positive throughout the process. However, it's important to remember that recruiters aim to present a competitive pool of candidates, and being a finalist is already an achievement. The key to resilience during job search is recognizing that hiring decisions often come down to perceived fit rather than ability. 

Remember to surround yourself with supportive mentors, peers, or a coach to help maintain perspective, and engage in reflective learning—asking, "What went well? What can I improve for next time?" Optimism often emerges from adversity, and finding meaning in career challenges can be a powerful motivator for long-term success.

Practical Strategies to Apply Right Now

Are you naturally optimistic or pessimistic? Victor Perton, my podcast quest this week, is not a fan of this question. Instead he prefers to ask “What makes you optimistic?” Interestingly, research suggests that optimism is about 25% genetic, meaning most of it can be developed over time. Many professionals come from backgrounds where resilience and optimism were shaped by life experiences. If you’re unsure whether you’re naturally optimistic, you don’t necessarily need an assessment to find out. Instead, reflect on how you react to challenges and setbacks. Do you see them as opportunities for growth, or do you dwell on what went wrong? The good news is that optimism can be nurtured with intentional practice. 

Here are some strategies you can implement:

• Reframe setbacks. Instead of thinking, “I didn’t get the job,” shift to “This wasn’t the right fit, but I gained valuable experience for the next opportunity.”
• Be the leader others want to follow. In meetings, job interviews, and networking, project a future-focused, solution-driven energy. People gravitate toward those who see opportunities, not obstacles.
• Build an optimism habit. Take five minutes daily to write down three positive things that happened. This rewires your brain to seek and expect positive outcomes.
• Surround yourself with optimism. The people you engage with shape your mindset. Seek out those who challenge, uplift, and inspire you.
• Change how you start conversations. Here is a challenge for you this week: For the next five days, commit to one change: Ask people, “What’s been the best part of your day?” instead of “How are you?” See how it shifts the energy in your conversations, meetings, and professional interactions. You might be surprised by how powerful this simple tweak can be. Small changes create major mindset shifts.

In This Week's Episode: Chief Optimism Officer, Victor Perton

Victor Perton is a former parliamentarian in the Australian state of Victoria and formerly the Victorian Government's Commissioner to the Americas. In 2019, he founded and became the chief optimism officer of the Centre for Optimism. Victor's research shows that infectious optimism is at the heart of good leadership, strategy, innovation, resilience, and successful change and transformation. This episode is a soothing and refreshing listen, especially for those who are going through a challenging time at work or job hunting.

• Listen to the full episode on the podcast website
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Audible

Time Out

• Andre and I went to Hamer Hall on Saturday night to watch the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play Tchaikovsky's symphony number 4, one of his most dramatic and emotionally charged works. Completed in 1878 during a turbulent period in his life, the symphony reflects fate, struggle, and triumph. The ending is particularly grand, reinforcing Tchaikovsky’s idea that happiness can be found despite struggle. Click here to watch it being played by the Oslo Philharmonic.
• I have been scouring the internet for recipes that include zucchinis and cucumbers because I have a kitchen full of them. We have a friend with a veggie patch, and this Australian summer has been terrific for these curcubits. RecipeTin Eats, a popular food blog by Australian cook Nagi Maehashi, has many easy and delicious recipes. Here is one of my favorites, and it has links to several other recipes that include cucumbers. Yum :)

If this newsletter helped you:

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To your career success

RBX

Renata Bernarde | Career Coach | Host, The Job Hunting Podcast