I've often used Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats® at work to provide a structured but creative and highly effective approach for formulating strategies to tackle difficult and challenging situations, on both a group and individual basis. As I have recently left my employer, I thought I would apply the hats to develop a clear job hunting strategy for securing my next role. The easiest and, in my opinion, most effective way to use the hats is to do so sequentially: White Hat - what are the facts (not opinions) about the situation you want to address? Red Hat - how do you feel about the facts/situation? Black Hat - what are the causes of your negative feelings and what do you consider to be the downside of the situation? Yellow Hat - what are reasons for your positive feelings and what do you consider to be the upsides? Green Hat - what ideas/options can you identify to overcome your negative feelings, address the downsides and build upon your positive feelings and the upsides? Blue Hat - taking everything into consideration, what clear actions are you going to implement to take control of the situation? I found the experience to be very cathartic and I have produced a couple of slides to summarise the outputs. If you have any questions about de Bono's hats and their practical application, I'd be happy to help. Hopefully this will resonate and inspire you to create your own job hunting strategy. Good luck! Please use the following link to check out my full article on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/using-edward-de-bonos-six-thinking-hats-support-your-job-stephenson

1. Job Hunting – hat’s the way to create a strategy!
Jon Stephenson
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stephensonjon
• Use Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats® to create your job-hunting strategy:
1. White hat – what are the relevant facts (not your opinions) about your current situation?
2. Red hat – what are your immediate feelings about this situation that you find yourself in?
3. Black hat – what are the downsides, and what are the causes of your negative feelings?
4. Yellow hat – what are the upsides, and what are the reasons for those positive feelings?
5. Green hat – what ideas can you generate to overcome your negative feelings, tackle the
downsides, optimise the upsides, and boost your positive feelings?
6. Blue hat – what actions will you commit to take, so you can grab control of the situation?
• Document the outputs – use the next slide as a template
• Seek objective feedback – discuss it with trusted friends
• Review it regularly – check your answers are still accurate
• Refine your strategy – regularly revisiting all six questions
• Repeat until you secure a role – hat’s the way to do it!

2. Upsides
Facts
Downsides
Ideas
Actions
Feelings
Job Hunting – hat’s the way to create a strategy!
I’ve just left my previous job and I need to find another one
I feel frustrated and anxious about being out of work
I’m excited by the prospect of finding a better job and moving out of my comfort zone
I feel humbled and encouraged by the support I’ve received from friends and colleagues
Completing lots of job applications and trawling through job boards
The realisation that it will take time to find the right role and I’ll receive more rejections than offers
Trying to break through the wall of silence after I’ve sent off my CV or applied for a job
I know that I’ve got a proven track record and transferable skills
No more stealth job hunting – I can be open about my search and attending interviews
More time to network, tailor my CV, complete applications, update profiles, and prepare for interviews
There is a real sense of community and support among job seekers
I may get a better job with better prospects than I had before
I’m available immediately, so I don’t have to wait when I do secure my next role
I’ve had time to recharge my batteries and the garden is looking better!
I can explore opportunities in new sectors
I can consider relocating to find the right role
I can ask my network for support to break through the walls of silence
I can attend industry events and seek out opportunities to raise my profile
I can utilise my spare time to upskill, undertake research, and catch up on the latest management theories
Take control and get out there networking – don’t wait for the job to come to me
Treat finding my next role as a full-time job in itself
Be patient and make sure I only apply for challenging roles with like-minded organisations
Be bold, dare to ask, and demonstrate my skills by publishing articles
Accept rejection, request feedback, learn from it, and move on - Plan, Do, Check, Act
Think positively and plan how I’ll celebrate when I secure a new position
Thank people for their support when I get my next role
Be there for others when they need my support
Jon Stephenson
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stephensonjon