Are You Relying too Much on Your Resume?
If you’re looking for a job here’s the best advice I can share; quit depending on your resume to find your next position and spend more time connecting with people.
I’ve Never Needed a Resume
I don’t intend this to be a humble brag, really I don’t, but I’ve never needed a resume. I’ve never given a resume to a potential employer. Yes, the world was a different place when I entered the workforce, resumes weren’t compulsory, but I’ve changed careers during this century. I’ve never needed a resume because I’ve always been introduced, recruited, or networked into my future position. You can do the same.
Think Outside of the Crate
Usually, when I talk about networking people think I’m talking about networking events. Okay, I get it. That’s fine. Networking events are okay, but they’re not the only place to network. Keep an open mind to networking that doesn’t require a name tag. There are networking opportunities around every corner. Here are a few ideas, Bet You Hadn't Thought of These Networking Opportunities.
Who Knows You Best?
Not only who knows you best but also who cares about you the most? Who has your best interests at heart? You know the answer, it’s friends and family. Not only should you network with friends and family when you begin a job search, you should start there. People have told me that’s crass, pushy, or invasive. My answer to that is if your friends and family aren’t there to help you, who is? Your Best Networking Group is Waiting.
Help Someone
The best way I know to network, the best way I know to meaningfully connect with others is to help. Bring folks together, introduce people that can help each other, solve problems, help others, and people will remember you. Who Have You Helped Today?
Shine a Positive Beacon
Early in my working career, I earned the nickname, the "Can Do" kid. Co-workers saw me as an optimist that always had a smile on my face. I radiated the belief that I could tackle whatever task was handed to me regardless of its degree of difficulty. Pinned to my work station was an index card with CAN DO printed on it. Little did people know it was there to help me fight my doubting inner voice. It all starts with a smile. How do you want to be remembered? Let Your Smile be Your Calling Card.
A Resume Alone Isn’t Enough
A resume will seldom open doors; introductions do that. Once your foot is in the door a resume isn’t much more than a formality. Yes, a poorly constructed resume can still hurt your chances even when you’ve made the first cut. Don’t misunderstand me; a quality resume is important just don’t rely on it to find a job. Network to find opportunities, and then use your resume as one of the tools to help you win the position.
Randy Clark is the Director of Communications at TKO Graphix, where he blogs for TKO Graphix Brandwire. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren, and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever and The New Manager’s Workbook: A Crash Course in Effective Management.