Sometimes we don’t have all the answers. What to do? The answers we are looking for could be about our career, our personal life, our finances, our car, technology or any other area.
In order to ask for advice, a couple of things need to happen first.
1. You have to know what advice you are looking for.
2. You have to identify someone you trust.
Asking for advice shouldn’t be so hard, you think to yourself. But what you ask will determine what you get. Start by thinking it through. Try asking yourself these questions:
- What is it that I am struggling with?
- What have I done to try and fix it myself?
- Why didn’t my fixes work?
- Am I looking at the problem/situation objectively?
Hopefully, you will have some information or lack of information that will make asking for advice clearer.
Now, who to ask? Do you have a friend who has been through a similar situation? Is there someone in your extended family you respect? Is there an ex-boss or co-worker you value? Do you have a mentor?
Instead of emailing your conundrum, call them on the phone. It will be difficult for you to explain your situation in writing. Frequently the written word is misinterpreted.
Remember, you aren’t necessarily looking for answers, but possible solutions. There is always more than one way to skin a cat.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
