Enter “resume writing” into Google search and you will find 491,000,000+ results. Nevertheless, this overload of information does not answer the question: “Why is my resume not working?”
Have you sent out resumes applying for 50 positions and not heard back? Stop and reflect.
Here is my advice for what you should consider before sending out another 50.
Holistic Approach to Job Landing
A resume itself will never secure you a job. It plays a significant role in bringing attention to your candidacy; however, writing one should not drain all your energy. Landing a job requires development in few directions.
Networking
- Reach out to as many connections as possible and let them know that you are in the market for a job. Do not overthink whether they have a job available to offer to you or not. Most of the offers are coming from second, or third degree connections.
- Leverage weak ties. You are more likely to articulate what you need to a weak tie, according to Marc Miller. When you communicate with friends, you tend to use implicit communication. They know you are unhappy in your job or out of work or having financial issues. There is no need to provide background information. When you communicate with acquaintances, i.e., weak ties, you are forced to state exactly what you want and why.
- Never eat alone. This is both, a great book, and great advice. Information is the new currency. It helps you approach your job search mindfully. Every chat, every conversation, is an Informational Interview, and they are invaluable. They help you learn about the market, escape workplaces with toxic environments and shape your Dream List of companies where you want to land.
Resume
- If there is one comprehensive article on the best approach to writing a resume, it is “How to Write a Résumé That Stands Out“, written in 2014 by Amy Galo. Check it out.
- The amount of time an employer spends looking at your resume will usually be short. Some say around 10 to 15 seconds. With machines helping humans, that time might be reduced to under 6 seconds. If the necessary information does not stand out in your resume, or if it takes too much effort to find it, you will not have a chance. Sorry. Catching attention is the real mission of a resume. That’s all.
- Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. The cost of turnover is high. Everyone wants to get the right person on their team. Looking at your two-page document, the one and only question in a hiring manager’s mind is: WIIFM? (What’s in it for me?)
Interview
- Re-crafting your story in your resume is not a tiring task but a preparation for your interview. Enjoy it.
- Practice. Do not wait for a specific interview. Practice in general. Find an accountability partner and help each other with the questioning and listening. This will help you understand both sides of the process.
- The dress -for -success rule has not changed. Here is an interesting article with the statistics on online presence.
- Remember that an interview is always a two-way street: You need a good job. A company needs a good employee. You are equal players. Play confidently.
- There is so much that we want to say. There is so much that others want to hear. Find a sweet spot. (WIIFM — remember?)
Reputation
Benjamin Franklin said that it takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.
It’s true.
Do your work well, or don’t do it at all. It does not matter how small a task seems to you at the time. Grow the network of people who will want to give you a good recommendation.
Be good. Choose kind.
Industry Contribution
Never stop learning and helping others to learn and grow. Your presence is notable and looked for.
Participate in conversations and discussions, help to resolve the problems and find solutions, volunteer your time for good causes. Remember that skills can be learned but attitude can not.
You shape the future of your work. Be mindful.
While it’s important to devote energy to creating a solid resume, be considerate. A good resume will place you in the spotlight apart from the others; however, chances are that you will end up nowhere if other work has not been done.
Spend your energy mindfully.