Are you stuck in your hunt for a new job? You probably just need to reset your goals. Take a break and write down what you want, and don't want in your next job. Start with what you don't want (that's always easier) and then write down what you do want. Stop thinking about the job you or other people in your life think you should be going for, and think about what you really want out of your career.

Yes, think big and dream a little. The more connected you can get with what makes your heart sing, the easier and faster you will get hired. Truly, the more you focus on what you want, the faster you'll get hired. Why? Because people want to hire people who are passionate about their work, excited to take the job they have. The clearer you can get on what you want, the faster you'll find the job you want, and the more that passion and enthusiasm of yours will show through. This "what I want” list is not written in stone, by the way .... it will shift throughout your life, so don't get stuck in "analysis paralysis."

Once you understand what you want, you need to translate it into a language anyone can understand. Keep it simple! Get away from industry-specific terms. Practice on people who do not understand what you do for a living. If they can understand three things you want in your next job, then you know you've got a good story.