The Questions Few Ask

We only get a shot at so many conversations. Are we getting the right information when we're in them?

Welcome to #PrescribedByDx

I told you I was trying something new in my newsletter for job seekers today, take a read below (no more than 4 minutes) and let me know what you think via mobile or direct response here!

Below you’ll find…

  1. A question for a conversation

  2. #PrescribedByDx Raw Thoughts

A question for a conversation…

"What do you wish you knew before going down this path?"

The success of your job search (in a role you truly want) will measure up against how often you ask this question. Once a week? Minimal results. Twice a week? A little bit of traction. Three times a week? Creating advocates.

I do wholeheartedly believe it changes that dramatically from 1 to 3 conversations. Being able to understand what a potential role would look like is a game changer. There are a few opportunities:

1) Armed with more information.

  • No longer are you reiterating SQL information or stuff you read online. You bring stories to the interview that match up with experiences (from others) in that role. Few candidates are doing this.

2) There's a potential advocate.

  • You're not best friends yet, but now someone knows what you want. And, if you impress them enough, they may go to shocking lengths to help. Few candidates are doing this.

3) An opportunity to say "No"

  • There's a shot at collapsing time by listening to the person that you speak with. Do you even want that role? Does the work sound fun? What if it doesn't? Cool, now you have information to pivot off of. Few candidates are doing this.

My favorite questions to ask for the right information…

  1. What don’t most people consider when accepting this role?

  2. Where have you had to pivot unexpectedly?

  3. How often have you had to report to leadership?

  4. What common exit opportunities are there for this role?

  5. What role/experience is required to land an offer?

These conversations change your trajectory and relationship with the hiring team. This is the best way to zag while everyone is busy zigging with their resume.

Question to reflect on…

"Out of the 5 days I had to job search, how many days did I speak with someone?"

#PrescribedByDx

If you're working on your resume this week, include this crucial piece somewhere. The job title for the role you want. Too often, we forget to put people on notice with what we want. I've opened 10+ resumes over the last week, and I'm confused about the direction.

Make it clear when you...

  • Title the resume

  • Include keywords

  • List skills and achievements

  • Write out your experiences

At some point, these should all include your next role title or a reference to it. Don’t make tailoring your resume rocket science!

TL;DR

  • Figure out the role a bit now or wait 10 months until you hate it.

  • Risk 30 minutes in a new conversation for a role you enjoy.

  • Everyone should know what job you want next.

I hope these questions drive you towards fun conversations with people in the role you want. If you're getting started on LinkedIn or have been navigating the search for a while and are struggling, consider my #1 coaching product - Conversations > Applications.

If you want to continue navigating on your own, follow me at #PrescribedByDx on LinkedIn for daily job-searching tips!