Research shows that a ‘fixed mindset’ restricts jobseekers’ confidence.
- Jobseekers with a ‘growth mindset’ view challenges as opportunities.
- Those with a ‘fixed mindset’ link their skills to static traits.
- Workshops can promote a ‘growth mindset’ in organizations.
- The research has significant implications for jobseekers and employers.
According to new research conducted by Lauren Keating, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Psychology at emlyon business school, and Peter Heslin, Professor of Management at UNSW Sydney, jobseekers possessing a ‘fixed mindset’ have a tendency to lack the confidence necessary to successfully navigate job search challenges. This notion of a fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that abilities and skills are inherent and unchangeable, which starkly contrasts with those harboring a ‘growth mindset’, who perceive challenges as avenues for personal development.
The study revealed that individuals with a growth mindset are more inclined to leverage their age and experience positively in job searches. These jobseekers prefer labels that accentuate the adaptability and malleability of their skills, unlike those with a fixed mindset, who often self-describe in limiting and derogatory terms, believing their capabilities are bound by their personality traits.
In order to dive deeper into this phenomenon, researchers interviewed over 20 employees from a government-funded organization undergoing defunding, which led to redundancies. Participants discussed their perceptions of their skillsets, specifically in areas such as networking, interviewing, negotiating, and job search strategies. They subsequently attended workshops on crafting resumes and cover letters, job vacancy exploration, and interviewing skills, in addition to sessions on networking and negotiating.
Following these workshops, qualitative interviews unveiled that a growth mindset not only assists jobseekers in adapting to setbacks, such as layoffs, but also transforms these challenges into opportunities for reinvention and education. As Professor Keating articulates, “In a rapidly evolving job landscape, especially in sectors like tech with massive layoffs, it’s not just the skills you possess that define your potential—it’s the belief in your ability to evolve.”
The study advocates for organizations to nurture growth mindsets within their workforce. Initiatives such as targeted workshops can assist in highlighting areas where a fixed mindset may have stifled progress, thereby fostering continual growth and development in employees. Not only does this benefit the individual, but it also serves the company by cultivating a more skilled and adaptable workforce. This comprehensive research was documented in the journal Applied Psychology.
Embracing a growth mindset can unlock new opportunities and drive personal and organizational development.
