30 days to getting unstuck

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Job hunting, especially when you’re older, can feel like a slog.

Writing can be a superpower in focusing your energies and moving past the problems into solutions.

So here’s what I suggest: for the next 30 days, write out your thoughts every day.

Computers are fine, if you’re used to writing that way. But I would highly recommend getting a basic paper journal and writing the old-fashioned way. A 2021 Japanese study showed more brain activity while writing on paper vs. on a screen. Tasks were completed faster, and subjects retained more of what they wrote.

You can write about anything, but here are 30 writing prompts you can use to get through the next month of this experiment.

1. What are my top three professional strengths?

2. Reflect on a time when I made a significant impact in my career. What qualities did I demonstrate?

3. What unique experiences or insights do I bring to the table due to my years of work experience?

4. How would my past colleagues describe me?

5. What are some challenges or obstacles I've overcome in my career?

6. What are my three biggest career achievements?

7. List five adjectives that best describe my work ethic and approach to problem-solving.

8. What sets me apart from younger job seekers in terms of skills, experience, and perspective?

9. How do my values and principles influence my approach to work?

10. Reflect on a project or initiative I led successfully. What skills and qualities did I demonstrate as a leader?

11. What industries or fields could best use my skills and experience?

12. What do I enjoy most about my work?

13. Think of a time when I had to adapt to a new technology or industry trend. How did I approach this challenge?

14. List any specialized knowledge or certifications I possess that are relevant to my target roles.

15. How do I stay current with industry developments and trends?

16. How do I want to spend the rest of my career?

17. Write about an instance when I mentored someone else.

18. Reflect on a difficult situation where I demonstrated resilience and perseverance.

19. List three professional accomplishments I'm most proud of.

20. What are volunteer work or extracurricular activities that have enriched my skills or perspective?

21. What things did I hear most in past performance reviews?

22. How do I approach collaboration and teamwork?

23. Communication skills: How do I effectively convey complex ideas or information?

24. List any awards, recognitions, or honors I've received throughout my career.

25. How do I prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively?

26. Who are my mentors or role models, in work, life or both? What have they taught me?

27. List five people in my professional network who might be influential in getting my next job.

28. Write out an email to each person connecting with them.

29. How do I handle criticism or feedback in the workplace?

30. What is my ideal work environment?

Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

See you next week!