One of the most common complaints I hear from job seekers is “Help! I’m feeling all over the place!”

Between exploring your options, managing your current job, and trying to get a handle on just what your resume needs to convey to get you an interview – there’s no doubt that the job search process can be overwhelming.

I want to share my tips for uncomplicating your job search process by revealing with you how I work with clients who are dealing with confusion and overwhelm find the clarity that they need to get started.

Take clarity where you can find it

When people tell me they don’t have clarity, most of the time what I hear is that they don’t recognize the clarity that they do have. You might not have a job title or a specific company or a plan. 

But you’re likely able to articulate some of your goals and needs. For example, clients might say, “I’m ready to contribute at a higher level,” “I want a shorter commute,” or “I want a better, more collaborative team.”  

That, my friends, is clarity.

Even if it’s a little bit, even if it’s not a full picture or a clear job- that is still clarity and we can totally use it as a starting point or a touchstone throughout the process.

If we think of clarity in this new way – and we focus on what we know vs what we don’t know – I bet you’ll find that you have a lot more clarity than you think. 

Write It Down 

It probably feels a little abstract and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s a big shift for people to realize how much they actually do know about what they want and writing it down can help you feel more confident about what you are clear on.

But we can also use this in a more tactical way by using it as data, criteria, or even a roadmap to help us move forward. It gives us questions to explore, people to meet, and specific things to look for in the opportunities we consider. 

Writing down the clarity that we have – and the clarity we develop along the way – is a great way to stay rooted in your goals and ensure that you make a good decision for yourself down the road.

Re-frame Where You’re At 

Once you have even a tiny bit of clarity, you’ll want to stop telling yourself that you’re all over the place. 

Because it’s just not true!

Here are a couple of options for you:

Right now, I am an X but I’m hoping to make a transition to something more a, b or c. 

Currently, I’m in X industry but I’m looking about a change to a or b.

These lines also work if you decide to take the step and go to networking events in a new field or industry and aren’t sure how to share where you’re at.

Telling yourself that you’re all over the place emphasizes your confusion and not your clarity.

Now, you’ll still experience uncertainty in your transition or job search – but that’s not the same thing as clarity. 

I bet you can begin to answer these questions: what would you love out of your next opportunity? What would you like more of? What would you like less of?

Let me know in the comments or DM me so I can cheer you on!