subject: Dont Send More Resumes [print this page] When people dont have a clue how to go about getting a job, they do two things: First, they start looking through the help-wanted ads online, in the newspaper, and wherever else they can find them. Second, they start randomly sending resumes to people they know, and people they dont know. Many of us are willing accomplices in this. As a manager, I often get resumes from colleagues and friends who say, I happen to know somebody whos looking for a job and I wanted you to have their resume just in case you have something open. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I dont have anything open. What does this tell me? It tells me you dont understand what I need; youre wasting your time and mine. Thats never a good way to start a relationship. So what can you do instead?
1. Spread your net.
Once youre clear about the kind of job you want, and where your own unique talents are best put to use, make sure you inform everyone in your network. Tell everyone from friends, neighbors, past co-workers, to fellow church and organization members what kind of work you do best, and ask them to keep an eye out for that specific kind of job. Use social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to get in contact with specific people in your industry.
2. Educate yourself.
Use your network to Find out where the jobs are in your market. Is it a growing field with new opportunities that might interest you? Is one company merging with another? Or is so-and-sos CEO retiring? Do your research so you know whats going on and go after the position you want. Choose a few target companies based on objective criteria that you develop ahead of time. Relevant factors may include pay scale, internal training opportunities, geographic location, flexible work scheduling, etc. Finally, learn all you can about the companies you plan to approach, so you will be able to showcase your knowledge, refine your resume, and practice interview answers that address the companys business direction, staffing needs, and overall philosophy of business.
3. Get online and offline help.
Dont be afraid to use all the resources available to you such as resume posting services, job search emails, job boards, the State Department of Labor, etc. Hire a career coach, meet with headhunters, and make sure youre doing more than just looking through the help wanted ads for places to randomly send your resume. It doesnt work.
For more information about how to get a great job, get paid the big bucks, and get ahead in your career, visit www.stevemonte.com. While youre there, enter your email to receive notification when I have my next Career Strategy Q&A Call where I share some of my best-kept secrets about how to get ahead, and I answer everyones toughest questions without charging a single dime!
