Hi there, I’m Spencer. Welcome to the first edition of Pod Save Career. Part audio, part newsletter, part blog, and anything else that can help you find and do more of what you give a damn about.

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The Problem

To get better career answers, you need to ask better questions.

Here are three common unanswerable questions:

1. Question is not specific.

These questions are often “open to anything.”

Q: “I’m looking for a marketing role, do you know of anything?”

ME : “Marketing happens at all companies. Give me more to work with.”

Q: “Well I’m keeping my options open.”

Keeping your options open keeps you from being specific. This, in turn, prevents you from discovering delightfully unexpected opportunities. Asking a specific question is not a commitment.

A better question provides specific details to tell me how to best help you.

2. Question tries to solve for everything at once.

This kind of question packs the entire career change into one big move. This often involves a long plan with a perfectly imagined future.

It’s simply overwhelming.

A better question makes change manageable and invites serendipity.

3. Question is too focused on getting job.

In most cases, getting a job is getting ahead of yourself. You likely need direction. And maybe new skills. And then finding companies that excite you. All before you know the job to get.

A better question aligns with where you are in your career change.

Bonus round — anything to do with “Will you review my resume?”

No, no I will not. If you are adamant about it, then visit Let’s Eat Grandma. They will hook you up. But, again, you are likely getting ahead of yourself.

Jobs are not won with resumes. Before you say, “but they get you the interview!” — a resume is the least effective and least fun way to land an interview.

So how do you ask better career questions?

The Solution

Use the How Might I format and win at careering.

How it works:

the ‘might’ suggests there are many possible answers, not right answers

we are not concerned with asking the right question — only a good question

this format helps you avoids solving for everything at once

this format helps you be specific

It looks like this.

or this….

or when you find something you’re stoked about…

I made this free guide so you can write better questions. ?

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