We all know that nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. This happens in all areas of our lives, whether it’s with family, friends or on the job. Even though you never want to make a mistake at work or disappoint your boss or coworkers, it’s bound to happen sooner or later. And that’s okay. You can’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake from time to time. If you have high standards for yourself, then you’re bound to find room for improvement on the job.

Whether you are unemployed or wanting to make a transition from your current career to a new one, searching for a new job can be intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. Through a positive mind-set and by preparing for your search, you can build the confidence you need to overcome your obstacles.

Here are three common obstacles, with advice that can help you turn your challenges into opportunities:

It just seems like a question that shouldn’t be asked in a job interview.  “What are your greatest weaknesses?” or “Can you name three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses?”  This is when you start to get nervous – no matter how much you’ve prepared for this question.  How do you answer without hurting your chances at landing the job?

Once a year, most workers sit down with their boss for their annual review. This is your chance to remind your boss why you’re a valuable employee, and it’s your bosses chance to let you know what you’re doing right and how you can improve. It’s easy to be intimidated at the thought of receiving criticism or asking for more money – especially in a tough economy when most people feel lucky just to be employed. However, in a slow economy, it’s important to remind your boss why you’re worth the investment.