I speak to job seekers every week who focus all of their time applying to jobs before doing the self-reflective work of understanding their strengths, the work that brings them joy, and problems that they want to solve in the world.
Finding your “why” can be a deeply challenging endeavor. When in a job transition, many people look purely externally for the answers to find their “why.” It makes logical sense.
But if you’re conducting a job search without clarity of your “why” and a conviction about what problems you can solve for people, you’re moving through the job search like a ship without a sail.
To compound the problem, we are being inundated with chatter about AI, and every VC and tech company is betting on the horse that they think will win the race. Analysts are hypothesizing about how AI will change our operations. Economists are forecasting the impact if the Fed’s funds rate drops.
These are important business questions, but how much time are you spending looking within during your job search? Are these questions bringing you closer to doing inspiring work and collaborating well with others? Does inspiring work even matter?
Maybe Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: “Nothing great was ever done without inspiration.”
So while reflecting on business questions is important, consider this perspective:
What work have you done in the past that has felt like play?
For example, before I started my consulting business, I did a lot of self-reflection about my own career and the work that brought the most fulfillment. While I’m happy I had the experience running Talent and HR for companies, the work that I really enjoyed doing was coaching and leadership training.
It took me time to battle my imposter syndrome, but with support from my “personal board of directors” I was able to launch DLC and do the work that brings me joy. The work that I dreaded developing HR policies is no longer something that I do now and I’m purely focused on the work that brings me the most satisfaction.
What were the characteristics of that work environment and how did they help you reach your full potential?
If you reflect on a work environment that you performed well in that helped you reach your potential, it was likely because you had an amazing leader who mentored you along the way.
One exercise that I have my clients do is write down the characteristics of some of their favorite leaders. What were some of their leadership principles that resonated with you that you now mirror? The answer to this question will help you evaluate future managers that you’re interviewing with.
How was the purpose of the company aligned with your own?
Many of my clients’ lives have been dedicated to developing technical solutions that clinicians can use with their patients. They’ve chosen this path because of a personal connection that they feel with the industry – that they are helping create technical solutions, like diagnostic equipment for rare diseases, that will in turn create a better patient experience than they or a loved one experienced.
Have you reflected on your life experience, analyzed why you’ve chosen the field that you have, and tied this to what companies you’re applying with?
The answers to these 3 questions can be helpful guideposts in your job search, and in how you communicate your “why” – the most important question every hiring manager and interview team is trying to assess.
Is Your Resume Job-Search Ready?
It's always a great time to reflect on all of your accomplishments and achievements in your career over the past year… not just for your company’s sake, but also to position yourself for any potential opportunities and set yourself up for success.
It’s also a great time to revisit your resume – which begs the question, when was the last time you updated yours?
If you’re like all of my clients, it’s been quite a while.
I get it – it’s a task none of us like doing… but it needs to be done and is the most important part of your preparation before you start talking to your network.
What if there was a way to completely transform your resume from a boring, soulless document into a captivating, authentic narrative that fully captures your unique story, strengths, and selling points – one that you can also use for networking, your LinkedIn profile, and your elevator pitch?
I’m excited to be able to help job-seekers and leaders alike with my Resume Playbook for Job Seekers!
This 30+ page digital guide is packed with exercises, tips, and templates to help you craft a resume that truly sets you apart. You’ll get:
Exercises to define your unique career story and articulate your value proposition on your resume and in your elevator pitch
Strategies to optimize every section of your resume, including how to utilize the STAR framework to craft a compelling narrative about your work history, career achievements, and impact as a leader.
A proven resume template that has helped leaders go from application to offer.
Do's and don’t's to make your resume stand out from your peers.
Networking and LinkedIn tips to help you bypass the applicant tracking system including message templates to help you reconnect with your friends and build new connections with confidence.
If you'd like more tailored support on your career journey, don't hesitate to reach out! Feel free to book a free call on my calendar.