Pick Five

Pick Five

In a career transition, such as a job search, one of your most important resources is other people.

Let's say you are getting started. Or you have been searching for a couple months with little to show for it.

Pick five people that you know and trust, whose inputs you value. They could be people you once worked with: bosses, peers, team members, vendors, even clients. They could be people from school: advisors, professors, classmates. They could be people you know from professional and volunteer organizations that you belong to. The list goes on.

Contact each one individually and ask for a meeting, the purpose of which is to discuss your current career transition, and to seek their input.

They will be happy to help you. Why? Because they know you. And you have honored them by asking them for their help.

Schedule these one-on-ones at their convenience. Develop an agenda that includes such questions as:

  • What do you think I should be doing with my skills?
  • What do you think my strengths are?
  • What do you think I should I be working on to improve myself?
  • Who do you think I should speak to next?

Take copious notes on their inputs and ideas for you. Thank them for their time and advice. Send them a follow-up "thank You so much" note.

Sit down with your five sets of notes (if you are working with a coach, you can invite your coach to join you), and review them carefully, looking for such things as:

  • directionality: are they pointing in a particular direction?
  • discomfort: are they saying something you don't want to hear?
  • confirmation: are they supporting your own thinking?
  • confusing: are they saying something that doesn't make sense to you?

If this exercise provides you with enough input to embark on your search renewed and energized, that's good. Get going.

If it does not, sit down and make a list of five more people.

About the author: Terrence "Terry" Seamon is a career transition consultant who helps his clients to set and achieve their goals.

Cathy McCafferty- Smith, M.A LPC , CPC

Building "Multiplier" Leaders Who Engage Employees to "Stay" Versus "Exit"

8 个月

Terrence as always you are spot on- The people that know you and your skills well and have helped you with your calling in life -are your Personal Board of Directors...who also understand your heart & purpose ....Sometimes we are challenged to identify what you really want to do next. So I suggest this to add to one's thinking. What are you favorite tasks you get most energized by..in life or work....what are your talents/ knacks- ask your Personal Board of Directors what they see you do well- Hey! if you can get that in writing even better! Others who know you well- or have worked with you well- are your "reference checks! As a HR leader-this is priceless info for me! This also provides an an answer a dreaded vague interview question "Tell me about yourself"- instead... say - Let me tell you what others have said about what I am "good" or "best at".... Hey People love to help - So ASK! Your Personal Board of Directors that have helped you along the way- You know who they are- you trust them and they trust you. From Work or Worship Who has observed what you do well in multiple settings - Example I'm a trainer/coach /HR people person at work- church- campuses, neighborhoods -i.e - I am others boards Are you?

Ari M. Weinstein

Making you memorable to advance your career · Author of Personal Branding at Work · Coach · Speaker · ACCP, CEMP · Mostly retired · Follow, and ask me anything! Meaningful connections only please.

8 个月

Input and help from others can level-up your career transition. Finding a job is thought of as a solo pursuit - yet even solopreneurs get help running their business. To anyone in transition: You are not alone.

Frank Powers, PMP MBA

Technology Leader | Cross Functional Leadership | Fractional Consulting | Chief of Staff | Enterprise Application Development & Support | Digital Transformation | Client Relationship Management | Program Management

8 个月

Terrence H. Seamon, good post on a "simple" process that can reveal so much. This is one of your best!! Thank you!

Craig E. Cunningham, SPHR, MA, HRBP, VP, Senior HR Director

Human Resources Manager l Compensation | Talent Management | HR Business Partner

8 个月

A great beginning Terrence H. Seamon

Matt Tooker

Resume and LinkedIn Rewrites ??Interview Prep??Career Marketing Materials Written By A Senior Hiring Manager??Creating Positive Outcomes By Kickstarting Your Stalled Job Search ??Avid Jimmy Buffet Fan ???

8 个月

Smart suggestions Terrence H. Seamon. Sometimes you are simply too close to the situation to be objective. Getting a second opinion can really open your eyes to things you never even thought of. You simply need to take that first step!

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