This week’s homework frustrated a client more than he expected.
There was a moment where it felt like busywork instead of momentum.
On the backside, it gave him direction he hadn’t had before.
This is how I work with people 1:1. These are the raw unlocks.
When I get to work with someone 1:1, one of the first working items on their board is called “roles that actually pique your interest.”
Most of the roles out there that grab our attention are nonsense or we thought we’d throw our name in the hat because of “easy apply”.
As they sat down to knock out this work before our 2nd session, they were a bit frustrated trying to hit home on where they’ll be next.
What brought them back to center? Understanding that our goal right now is interest and people we want to connect with. The role doesn’t have to be perfect and either does the company, but who do you want to spend time with?
Here’s the checklist they must walkthrough:
⬜ List 6–10 roles that genuinely spark curiosity (not just roles I qualify for)
⬜ Include job title + company + link
⬜ Write 1–2 bullets for why the role interests you
⬜ Note the skills/themes that repeat across these roles
⬜ Flag any role that feels like a “No brainer” vs. a “maybe”
This helps with a few items I believe are pivotal for the foundation:
1) Marketplace Activity - are there actually roles you want out there that exist? How many are there? Do you fit in them?
2) Lane Guidance - you can’t be all over the place in the search today. What 2-3 lanes are you planning to operate in?
If your job search feels noisy or overwhelming, pause the applications.
Start with this list instead.
Direction first.
Conversations next.
Everything else follows.
One question to gut check your list:
“How many of these roles get me fired up about the work?”
If it’s zero, consider diving a layer deeper into what you want to do next.
Conversations > Applications Community
These are the folks I’m working with, if you know someone - shoot me an email!
Social Media Manager / Digital Communications Director (in interviews)
Healthcare Program Manager / Project Management (in interviews)
Technical Program Manager (TPM) / Data Scientist
Executive Architect / Data Governance (Tech) (in interviews)
Senior Operations Manager (Manufacturing)
Management Consulting - Manager / Senior Manager (Data)
Accounting Manager (Life Sciences / Wellness)
IT Delivery Manager / Director (Canada Based)
Managing Director - IT Consulting
Before you leave…
There is someone you wanted to get close with in 2025 but you didn’t. No message, text, or call. Send the message today, set up the reminder, who are you making room for this year?
Dominic
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Need more career insights? Highly recommend Sarah and her team!
