I recently received a “sales” email from from a “business process” company (helping you set up processes to “automate” your small business), and it reminded me of how job seekers can also be paralyzed by all the work and paper involved in their job search!
Think about it. Have you ever just stared at your computer wondering where to start? Or spent so much time doing XXX and getting no return for all of your efforts?
Here are few questions to help you brainstorm solutions and get you unstuck:
1. What is the beginning trigger in your job search? (This is acknowledging and verbalizing your “need” or your “why” in coaching terms.)
2. What is the first thing I do? (What do others do? What else could we do?)
3. What is you current process? How are you doing this right now? How is it working? (This will again, be “naming” where forward action gets bogged down, where you might want to consider changes, identifying gaps in your productivity, and what great things are working that you want to continue.)
4. Do your actions “trigger” other actions that should happen next?
5. What has to happen in order for you to start ______? Then what?
6. What if “this” happens – then what? What if “that” happens – then what? (Think in terms of “if-then”; consider all possible alternatives. For example, what if the “answer is yes”, what will you do? no? later? not sure? Be prepared with appropriate action for every possible situation.)
7. What would our “perfect world” scenario look like? How could you create that perfect path to getting to your goal? Brainstorm – do you need to develop new materials or networks?
Yes, I know these questions are appropriately vague, and if there is on thing jobseekers hate, it’s when I’m vague! But, I want you to create YOUR OWN, unique map to follow, and your own, unique directions to get you to your own, unique destination! By thinking of your job search process, as just what it is, a PROCESS, you’ll be able to focus on the actions that help you complete your systematic goals – so you can achieve your own definitions of success!