How would you want to be approached by someone who is looking for a job?

The question was asked first on LinkedIn where other answers can be found. My answer was:

“Assuming for sake of this discussion that you were approaching me for a job, I would want to know the answers to the following questions which I would want to cover in person-to-person interviews:

1. Where are you coming from in your job search? Please provide at least an up-to-date-profile. Tell me your background story. What is your ordinary world like?

2. Where are you wanting to go? If you don't have at least an "X" to aim at, then you are already there and need to simply wait. It will happen. Be patient. If the "X" is different than where you are now, continue answering the questions.

3. What are you waiting for? You're a smart, talented, skillful, experienced person. Why are you reluctant?

4. What are your wise ones generally advising? Do you have a personal values statement, a personal mission statement, a clear sense of purpose, and a vision? Is there a coach of coaches whom you may want to speak with?

5. What are the pros and cons you're starting with? If you are leaning one way or another at this point, talk to the best lawyer friend you have. He or she will assist you in evening out the list till you are completely confused. Pros and cons analysis is overrated. Weighing your choices is really a mask for lack of imagination.

6. What are the "Powers that Be" saying about your search? First, who are they? I'm talking husband, friends, etc. Those who really count. They may quickly suggest that you limit your search to a geographic area because they are not ready for you to move out of town, for example. On the other hand, this may be the chance they've been looking for to tell you it's time to move on. Live in the mountains. Overseas. France, Paris. You'll always have Paris.

7. What is your real agenda in this search? Is money the real problem? Money has no agenda. Dig deeper. What's driving your search? Surely, you don't think it's time to become selfish? Turn turtle, stick your neck out for no one. Become a tyrant and dominate others. Perhaps you want someone else to provide the wall for your vine to cling on. Or maybe you want to be the center of attention for a while? Flip it. Find some heroes to emulate. At least four. One for your mind. Another for the warrior in you. Another for the martyr you are having trouble with in the sacrifices you seem to be making for others. Then for your fourth, pick one: a magician with words; a sage with philosophies of life; a statesman for the society you want to help turn over to the next generation or a saint. Someone who can connect you with the Power that constitutes you. Read everything you can get your hands on about them.

8. What facts and reasons are you contending with in your search? Write your father or mother a letter (don't send it) that explains your predicament. Remember, they were never supposed to live your life for you. They were there (or not) to help you learn how to live your own life.

9. What insights are emerging in your search? Pay attention to your dreams, the night-time kind, the day-dreams (turn off the music in your car and listen to the Silence and what comes out of it), and the movies that turn you on. The messages received will be symbolic.

10. How are you telling the story of your search? Keep a journal so you can mark your progress. Discover what story you're living. What's the next turning point in the plot?

11. What are you willing to risk in searching to gain what you want? Plan with the end in mind. Tell us what you want to be remembered for. What are you willing to die for? Okay, not so melodramatic, but you get the idea. It's your spirit that's on the line.

12. How are we knowing that decision we discern is the right one for both of us? Will the decision engage our minds, hearts, souls, and spirits? Will the enthusiasm of our finding each other as co-workers be enough to carry forward with the necessary and desirable action to see the effort to a happy result? John”

What do you think?

Please include your comment here or contact me to discuss.

Thanks.

John Darrouzet