Help Us Help you

At any given time, I've got a number of people in my network who are in the midst of a job search/career change. I've had several reach out in the last 2 weeks.

I'm always ready to help, and I know lots of other people are as well. But you need to help us help you.

How? By being specific.

When you pull up to a drive-thru at a restaurant, you don't say to the disembodied speaker voice, "I'm open to eat food." You order specifics - it's not their job to figure out what you want.

When put out the message, "I'm looking for my next opportunity," nobody has any idea what that means.

What specific opportunity(s) are you looking for? Clarify it for us...in advance.

Here's what I recommend - at the very least, give us four specific parameters to help us make a targeted recommendation for you (and/or for your next employer).

1. What is your ideal title for that next job? Don't make us guess. If you are seeking a role as Director of Omnichannel Marketing, tell us that. Companies are hiring for particular roles/titles, so state the one or two positions you'd be ideal for.
2. What type of company is likely your best fit? If you want to be in a global healthcare company, say it. If you think it's time to spread your wings in a startup or emerging player, sketch that out.
3. What location do you desire? Metro Boston? Ottawa? Open to relo? Virtual/hybrid?
4. What is the difference you're seeking to make? Tap into your past history and your superpower, and tell us exactly....practically...how you bring value and results to your employer.

What you're doing is painting the picture so that we can target our referrals intelligently. The more clearly you give us a bullseye, the better we can aim our help. Don't make us guess.

So, for instance, like this:

"Due to an unexpected downsizing, I'm seeking my next role as a Sales leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Ideally, I'd serve as a first- or second-line leader for a field sales force in a small-to-mid-sized organization focused on oncology. I'm Chicago based but open to travel throughout the midwest. My secret sauce is helping underperforming sales teams reach top 5% performer level within the first 2 years."

You can always put in a few "broadeners" (Chicago-based but open to relocating) (also have experience with Neurology) (have successfully served in a large global organization) so that you're not overly narrow - but you have to be specific enough to help us envision where you would thrive best.

What you're doing is self-branding, which enables us to open the right doors for you. If you're #opentowork, tell us a few things about the work you'd be best at!

(and, by the way, if you are in this position, please reach out to me with your "specifics" so I can amplify your efforts on LinkedIn and maybe make direct connections!)

Steve Woodruff is the King of Clarity. Learn more at www.stevewoodruff.com