Do you have a difficult problem in your job search? Say, a lack of networking contacts? Or trouble answering interview questions?

Problems in a job search are common issues that many faces. But the question is have you ever written your problem down on a piece of paper?

 If you haven’t, then you might try it out. Because, when you write problems down, you take an immediate, huge leap towards solving them. Think about it: every great invention or solution, was first worked out on paper.

 Why not solve your employment problems the same way?

 Here’s a three-step method that will help you do it:

Step 1: Start by asking the right questions.

Most people get into the self-defeating mode in their job search by asking questions that are depressing and demotivating.

Questions like, Why won’t, anyone, give me a job? or How do I network when I don’t know anyone?

 Instead, start asking questions that motivate and inspire you.

 Better questions to ask are:

* How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads?

* How did my 10 closest friends find their current jobs? How could I brainstorm with them and use their methods in my job hunt?

* What worked in my last job search? The job search before? How could I do that again?

Important: Ask questions that you yourself can solve. Never depend on the government, your school, parents, family — anyone else — to do this for you. Because, once you give up responsibility for solving problems with your job search (or anything else), you become a prisoner of outside forces.

When you ask the right questions, however, you’re halfway to the answer. So write down at least five empowering questions about your job search, right now.

Then, you’re ready for step two …

Step 2: Brainstorm at least 20 possible answers

After you write down five good questions, circle the one question that looks most promising. You’re going to use it to get hired faster.

Let’s say you write the following question down atop a clean sheet of paper:

How could I give people a reason to call me with job leads?

 Write a number 1 below it. Write a possible answer next to that number. Then move on to numbers 2, 3 . and don’t stop until you have at least 20 answers to your question.

 Not 15 or 19, but 20 answers — or more.

 There’s a reason for this exercise to complete more than 20 probable answers. If left to its own devices, your brain will try to pull you out of it and try to talk you into going out for other things like having snacks, etc. Brains hate to think. Like bench pressing, thinking is strenuous work, no matter how good it may be for you.

 But don’t let your head off the hook. Don’t stop until you get 20 possible solutions. Brainstorm as if your career depended on the outcome. Because it does!

Now. Most of your 20 answers won’t be very good — that’s OK. Your best answer may come right after the most hare-brained. By forcing yourself to write out 20 answers, you’re flushing the creative pipes while going deep into your subconscious mind to dredge up a winner.

Don’t stop it until you try it!

Step 3: Take action on one solution today

Choose the most promising from your list of 20 answers. Then, get started — today — to make it happen. No excuses.

Let’s say the most actionable of your solutions is to attend a social function where you can meet friends, family, and acquaintances, and let them know about your job search.

After that, take the next most-promising solution from your list of 20 and make that one happen. Repeat until hired. Don’t stop till you get your right job.

Here’s why these 3 steps work when it comes to solving problems — clear thinking plus continuous action equals results.

If you’re struggling to find a job, write down clear, empowering questions about your situation. Then, brainstorm at least 20 possible solutions and take action on the best one today. When you do, you’ll be that much closer to getting the job you really want, faster.

Now, go out and make your own luck!

Happy searching!!

(This article is in collaboration with ‘5E for Success’, an entity of KRC Foundation. ‘5E for Success’ is a philosophy evolved which is a proven methodology for making oneself employable. The methodology trains, grooms & prepares through ‘internship’ & ‘earn while you learn model’.)

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