The power of curiosity when you are job searching

When people come to me for career coaching, they are often feeling uninspired, frustrated and a little lost. They may be looking for a new opportunity due to redundancy, returning to the world of work after a career break, or being ready for their next job role. Either way, the one thing they are lacking is excitement about their career prospects. Whilst they may come to me as a coach or mentor expecting to be directed to the next opportunity, what they receive is something even better. They get their career spark back!  Today, I want to talk about the power of curiosity when you are job-searching

Being curious is at the core of coaching and is a perspective that can transform the often-daunting journey of job searching into an exciting and rewarding process. It’s something that we all have within in; just think about your childhood career aspirations – they were open-ended, anything was possible, full of belief it would “just work.”  We didn’t answer the question “What do you want to be when you grow up” with a list of reasons why we couldn’t. There was a joyful innocence in knowing it would happen, with a simplified path to success!

You may think that those days are long gone, but today I want to share with your perspective shifts to help you get back to that state of possibility, as well as questions to ask yourself to take action.

Will you “come and play”, for a moment, with me?

 

Frame every step positively.

Curious job searching starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of viewing the process as a necessary chore, approach it with positivity and openness. Every application, interview, and networking event is a new opportunity to gain experience, grow, and discover something about yourself and the professional world.

Think about it: what if job searching was not about finding “the one” perfect job, but about exploring various roles and industries to see what sparks your interest? Take note of what grabs your attention and see how far that takes you!

 

Do not be bound to “getting a job”.

When you let go of being tied to a specific outcome (i.e. getting a job), you free yourself from overwhelming stress and disappointment when you get a no, or a not yet. Curious job searching involves exploring different possibilities without fixating on a single result. It’s about asking questions and seeking answers that lead you to unexpected routes to the next best opportunity!

 

Find more joy in the process

Injecting playfulness into your job search can make a world of difference, it helps you become more creative. Think of it as a game where each step brings new challenges and rewards. Create small, achievable goals and unapologetically celebrate your successes along the way.

The best way to find more joy, (and what will follow next) is to ask yourself fun and imaginative questions, starting with What, Where, Who, Why, When and How!

Four great ones to start with are:

 

How would I do this role?

Imagine yourself in different roles, daydreaming about the tasks you’d tackle, the projects you’d lead, and the teams you’d collaborate with. This playful approach can uncover hidden passions and interests you might not have considered otherwise. It also helps you prepare for the interviews you will get!

What could I do if I guaranteed success?

Allow yourself to dream big and explore roles that you might have previously believed were out of reach. This question helps you find your true aspirations and align your job search with a variety of options, rather than the tried and tested linear approach.

Where else could I work? 

Expand your horizons by exploring industries, companies, or job roles you haven’t considered. Look at various locations, including remote opportunities. The perfect job might be waiting for you in an unexpected place.

Who do I know?

Leverage your network to gain insights and inspiration. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their career journeys. Understanding the diverse paths people take can open your eyes to possibilities you hadn’t thought of before.

 

So, there we have it. A whistle-stop tour of curious job searching. My coaching process transforms what can be a stressful process into one that may energise and excite you. By embracing positivity, letting go of fixed outcomes, injecting playfulness, and staying inquisitive, you’ll get one step closer to creating (and keeping) a career to enjoy!

Would you like to join me? Reach out to hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk or book an insight call directly through this link