New research reveals how a ‘fixed mindset’ can hinder jobseekers’ progress.
- Jobseekers with a ‘fixed mindset’ often lack confidence in overcoming job search challenges.
- The study highlights the openness of a ‘growth mindset’ towards leveraging age and experience.
- A fixed mindset attributes skills to personality, unlike the adaptable growth mindset.
- Encouraging a growth mindset in organisations benefits both employees and businesses.
Recent research conducted by emlyon business school sheds light on the impact of a ‘fixed mindset’ on jobseekers. The study led by Professors Lauren Keating and Peter Heslin, examined how different mindsets influence job search challenges, particularly during redundancy phases. It found that jobseekers with a ‘fixed mindset’ tend to doubt their abilities to navigate job search obstacles effectively.
Individuals with a ‘growth mindset’ approach job searching with an open-minded attitude, recognising that age and experience can be advantageous. In contrast, those with a ‘fixed mindset’ often believe their inherent personality traits limit their networking and negotiation skills, negatively impacting their job search abilities.
The researchers identified that people with a ‘fixed mindset’ often label themselves in a rigid manner, whereas those with a ‘growth mindset’ describe their job search capabilities as adaptable and open to development. This outlook stems from the belief that skills can be cultivated with training and effort, a notion those with a fixed mindset often reject.
Interviews with over 20 employees from a defunded government organisation revealed the mindset differences. Participants with a ‘fixed mindset’ attributed their skills and abilities to unchangeable personality traits, while ‘growth mindset’ participants focused on learning from colleagues and lifelong skills development.
Professor Keating emphasised the importance of a growth mindset in today’s fast-evolving job market, especially in tech sectors facing mass layoffs. “A growth mindset transforms setbacks into opportunities for learning and reinvention,” she stated, highlighting the ability to adapt as a key differentiator in competitive fields.
The researchers advocate for fostering a growth mindset within organisations as it not only aids jobseekers but also benefits employees’ continuous development. Establishing workshops to identify and overcome fixed mindset barriers can enhance workforce skills, thereby supporting organisational success.
Fostering a growth mindset can significantly enhance jobseekers’ adaptability and overall career success.
