Job searches can seem like a chore. Before you begin your job search, don't forget to brainstorm.

The actual job search can and should feel like a job. You're going to be very busy sending applications, emails, cover letters, and making phone calls or attending interviews.

To ensure this activity is not only productive but meaningful, take your time to really think out what it is you're hoping to accomplish in your next role.

Use this moment to slow down, think deeply, and soul search. Some techniques to get unconventional perspectives that can powerfully impact your search:

1. Mind Mapping. Start with a white board or piece of paper. In the center, draw a shape and label it "my next job". Begin drawing and labelling shapes with ideas, thoughts, feelings about the next opportunity then connecting to this center piece; the closer to the center, the more important it is for "my next job". It's a free flow of thoughts. This doesn't have to be done in silence; put on some cool music to get your mind primed.

2. Affinity diagram. Take a closer look at the mind mapping once it's complete. Start to organize the different connecting ideas by theme. Once they are categorized, on a new section of white board or new piece of paper then begin to classify the themes with each of the ideas underneath them. Here, you are starting to connect the dots about what is important to *you*.

3. Pareto analysis. Now that everything is organized and associated on the affinity diagram, start to dig down deeper. Fin the few things that really, really matter to you. The principle here is that 20% of the ideas will have an 80% impact in your job satisfaction.

4. Why analysis. By now you've arrived at an analytical picture of what matters to you. Now, take the top 20% (or eventually all of the ideas) and ask why at least five levels deep. This is going to really get deep into your own thoughts, feelings, and needs.

Bonus: Take a look into the Japanese concept of Ikigai 生きがい which translates to 'reason for living'. This will help clarify your overall life interests with your career. If you have a moment to read a book, look into "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret into a Long and Healthy Life" by Garcia and Miralles.

The results of these brainstorming-derived exercises are going to help you better connect with your own sense of purpose and therefore help you connect to your next job based on matching sense of purpose and laser-like focus with company mission.


Hopefully this gets you much more excited about your job search. 🙂