The #1 Ultimate Question For Job Seekers

Last week I gave a presentation on personal branding and networking in a digital age to about 100 people at the Women for Hire event at Navy Pier. It was standing room only and the crowd was very energized and engaged – great vibe! On my way out of the room a women gently tugged my sleeve. She introduced herself to me and mentioned a friend we had in common – great ice-breaker!

She told me she was in transition but I already knew that. She had that look – you know the one I’m talking about. The look that says, “I just can’t seem to catch a break.” Her spirits were all but crushed and I sensed an air of panic. I can recognize the signals of desperation because I’ve walked in those shoes.

Trying to help, I asked her the ultimate question: What is your ideal job… your dream job?

I was expecting a few key words that might help me pluck a valuable lead out of my mental Rolodex. But she couldn’t answer me. I had completely stumped her.

If you can’t respond to the ultimate question without hesitation… if the words don’t roll off your tongue with clarity and passion, then I suggest you skip the next networking event and instead work on your answer.

If you can’t name it, you can’t claim it. End of story.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 8:21 am and is filed under Inspiration, Job Search Strategies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.