#7 Write your “Next Role Brief” (AKA clarity you can use)
Most searches stall because the goal is fuzzy.
Not the big “career vision” part - but in the next role part.
If you can’t name what you’re aiming at, it’s hard to make decisions, ask for help, or feel confident.
Here’s a cheeky one-pager that fixes that.
The Next Role Brief (5 parts, one page)
1) Problems I want to solve (WHAT)Three problem spaces that energize you. Things you love to get to the bottom of.
e.g., pricing/packaging story not unified across web/sales/product, awareness is high, but consideration low (leaky mid-funnel), or navigation/information architecture hides key actions.
2) How I work best (HOW)Two lines on your operating style.
e.g., small experiments → learn fast → scale what works
3) Altitude + context (WHERE)Hands-on vs lead, stage/size, team shape, constraints.
e.g., hands-on IC/lead at Series B–C; small cross-functional group; close to customer
4) Must-haves / nice-to-haves / deal-breakersBe honest so you stop second-guessing.
Must: real ownership of messaging; Nice: product-led growth; Deal-breakers: top-of-funnel vanity metrics
5) Targets
5–10 companies + 2–3 role titles (and synonyms) you’ll pursue.
e.g., Growth PM / Product Growth / Lifecycle PM / Activation PM
Try this (10 minutes)
Dump evidence (3 min): List 5 recent wins you're proud of, highlight the pattern.
Draft (5 min): Write the five sections of your Next Role Brief (one line each - no paragraphs).
Distill (2 min): Turn it into your 2-sentence DSP (Direction → Proof → Spotting cue).
Say it in 2 sentences (D → P → S)
Direction: what you want to solve + altitude/stage.
Proof: how you work + a recent outcome.
Spotting cue: when to loop you in.
Some examples:
Mentor / Advocate
I’m focused on [problems] at [stage/altitude]. I work by [how]. Recent: [outcome].
If you hear [triggers/titles], I’d love to be looped in.
Manager (internal)
I want to own [problem] this quarter at [altitude]. First move: [small, visible win tied to team metric].
If that aligns with your priorities, can we sync on stakeholders and risks?
Hiring Manager (external)
I’m focused on [their problem] at [stage/altitude]. I get traction by [how]. Recent: [outcome].
If helpful, I can outline how I’d tackle the first 90 days.
Clarity quiets anxiety.
And it makes it easier for other people to help you.
Chat soon,
Mel
P.S. Next cohort starts Sept 11 — get clear and get moving.Four week sprint to sharpen your brief, refine your story, and run a practical search plan with scripts, assets, and accountability to get you where you want to go, faster.
All with the no-fluff approach you love so well. → Learn more here