As he hurried into the cafe, shoulders hunched, throwing off the worst of what this crisp January morning had to offer, my new client seemed more than a bit distracted.  Lee had been put in touch with me because he was interested in making a career switch.  We ordered some coffees and while we waited for them to arrive, he briefly explained his plan – revamp the CV, contact a few agents and try to squeeze in a few interviews between work appointments for his current employer.  His main concern was his CV.  I think his view as to how I could help him extended little further than re-writing his CV; to, in his words, “make it come alive!”

However, as we continued our chat, it became quite apparent to me that it wasn’t his CV that needed CPR, but Lee himself!

Like most people that I encounter in Lee’s position, he was taking no time to really think through the implications of moving from one job to another.  In his particular line of work, this was a decision that would decide what he did for the next 5-10 years for the best part of his waking hours and yet, he had given it no more consideration than which box of cereal to buy at his local store.

I shared this observation and waited for a response.

When it came, I could sense that the shift had started.  We still have a long way to go, but at least he is now aware of the real consequence of the decisions he is about to make.

So, how about you?  What questions are at the top of your mind as you consider your next career move?  Are they the same questions that will result in you appearing as unremarkable as the last candidate your target employers interviewed, or are they ones which will really fire you up and have you jumping out of bed every day, inspiring all who come within 100 feet of you?

Some examples of great questions I have heard my clients ask:

- What is my purpose in life?

- What difference do I want to make for my next employer?

- What will I learn from my next role?

- Can I find an organisation that needs my help?