After you write down five good questions, circle the one question that looks most promising. You’re going to use it to get hired faster.
Let’s say you write the following question down atop a clean sheet of paper:
How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads?
Write a number 1 below it. Write a possible answer next to that number. Then move on to number 2, 3, and don’t stop until you have at least 20 answers to your question.
Not 15 or 19, but 20 answers — or more.
There’s a reason for this: Left to its own devices, your brain will pull a Homer Simpson after two minutes and try to talk you into going out for donuts or beer. Brains hate to think. Like bench pressing, thinking is strenuous work, no matter how good it may be for you.
But don’t let your head off the hook. Don’t stop until you get 20 possible solutions. Brainstorm as if your career depended on the outcome. Because it does.
Most of your 20 answers won’t be very good — that’s OK. Your best answer may come right after the most hare-brained. By forcing yourself to write out 20 answers, you’re flushing the creative pipes while going deep into your subconscious mind to dredge up a winner.
Don’t knock it until you try it!
3) Take action on one solution today
Choose the most promising from your list of 20 answers. Then, get started — today — to make it happen. No excuses.
Let’s say the most actionable of your solutions is to throw a networking party where you can meet friends, family and acquaintances, and let them know about your job search.
What do you need to do to make this party happen?
Well, you have to make the guest list, send invitations, get the food, etc. So write down all the sub-goals necessary for the party to be a success. Check each sub-goal off your list as you complete it. Before you know it, your networking party will be a reality.
After that, take the next most-promising solution from your list of 20 and make that one happen. Repeat until hired.
Here’s why these 3 steps work when it comes to solving problems — clear thinking plus continuous action equals results.
If you’re struggling to find a job, write down clear, empowering questions of your situation. Then, brainstorm at least 20 possible solutions and take action on the best one today. When you do, you’ll be that much closer to getting the job you really want, faster.
Now, go out and make your own luck!
About the Author: Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and job search assistance to clients in all 50 states. Author of “51 Ways to Find a Job Fast – Guaranteed,” Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, CBS Radio and many others. As a reader of this publication, you can get a Free Job Search Kit ($25.00 value) at the Guaranteed Resumes Web site – http://www.gresumes.com.
