Job search success is related to the questions you ask
Q: I am thinking about starting my job search next month and dread the whole process of asking for jobs. This time around, I want to try a new approach and do a better job of gathering more information. I am naturally hesitant when talking with people and working from home has made it tougher. Do you have any suggestions for a new approach in my job search?
A: One way to make your search easier is to rethink the process. When you dread something such as asking for information related to a job search, it is human nature to want to avoid risk. As a job candidate, keep in mind that searching is not a one-way street rather the employer needs your talent as much as you need a job.
A job search can often feel like you are pleading for help as though you are the only one that needs support. In retrospect, everyone in the workforce will — at some time in their career — face a transition.
Talking with people from home instead of meeting them in person can be easier than you think but first you need a game plan.
For example, calling people you have known for years without a plan in mind can lead to a friendly conversation, but leaves you without real information you need for your search.
Asking the right type of questions is the key to making your search more productive. You mentioned being hesitant, and that often occurs when you lack a purpose for the call. For instance, the purpose for contacting your friends would be to connect with them, exchange updates and then ask them for information.
Job candidates can make the mistake of informing people they are out of a job and are looking. Most will begin the conversation by asking their friends to keep them in mind as they hear of job openings. If you are using this reason to call people, then it is time to change.
I would suggest developing a new list of questions that you can use multiple times in gathering information.
Asking questions allows you to find out about people, keeps the conversation flowing and shows your interests in what they are saying.
There are two types of questions to use when talking with others: openended and close-ended. Both types will elicit different answers and will often impact your next steps.
Open-ended questions begin with when, what, who, why, where, or how . Close-ended questions usually start with, do you, did you, are you, or can you. You know you are asking a closed-ended question when you receive a yes or no answer.
Job candidates can make the mistake of informing people they are out of a job and are looking. Most will begin the conversation by asking their friends to keep them in mind as they hear of job openings. If you are using this reason to call people, then it is time to change.