Do you want to get well? John 5:6.

Jesus asked this question to a man at Bethesda who had been an invalid for 38 years. While it may not have been that long since you have been unemployed or underemployed, the new year provides countless individuals who hope to find new opportunities. But will they take action? The cure for a job-search begins with clearly articulating the purpose and mission of your job search with these four steps: 

1. What is your MAJOR? What are the one or two things that you do better than 99.9% of everyone else? In other words, what is your unique SHAPE? This important yet often unanswered question prevents job seekers from being able to chart their course of direction. Before anything else, your MAJOR must be first identified. 

2. What LOCATION do you want to work? What geographical region do you desire to live? Perhaps, this decision is motivated by family, community or climate preferences. Whatever the criteria, ask if the location you desire has ample opportunities for your MAJOR or SHAPE. If not, you may need to broaden the reach. 

3. What INDUSTRY do you want to work? A job seeker may not have a location preference and is willing to relocate. Perhaps the most important factor is doing work you enjoy and are shaped to perform. What industries value your MAJOR or SHAPE? Identify these clusters and where the clusters are concentrated.   

4. What specific COMPANY or ORGANIZATION do you want to work? Listing organizations you admire and desire to work is a helpful way to prioritize your search activities. If a job seeker has identified his or her MAJOR or SHAPE, location and industry, then researching companies and organizations willing to hire your unique mix becomes simple.   

Concisely articulating your major, location, industry and company preferences will provide a clear purpose and mission for your job search to share with others, including the Wonderful “Career” Counselor:  

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7

During this time you need others around you to help you through this tough time. Learn more about getting into community and comment below so we can be praying for your job search.

Also, learn more how to get Pastor Rick's new book by hosting a discussion group!