Resume Revamp

Guest post by Janet M. Neal

Just suppose you are one of the thousands of people on the hunt for a new job. Once the initial shock of finding yourself in a place not of your own choosing wears off, you realize you have to get to work. You polish off your resume and send it to every recruiter that you know. And you talk to friends and relatives and beg them for leads. Lastly, you attend a face-to-face event, and talk to as many people as possible, grabbing all the business cards you can and pleading your case to as many strangers, i.e., potential employers, as possible.

This is a typical but not effective strategy. The rules of yesterday when looking for a job just do not apply to today’s market. The traditional channels are flooded with paper and the reality is, jobs are being secured through relationships.

Here are five tips to help you network more effectively and be the candidate that gets noticed:

1. Figure out what you want to do—specifically: By saying “I can do anything in any industry,” you have diluted yourself. By getting specific about the position, industry, and even company you desire, you focus your energy and make yourself a more attractive candidate.

2. Update your resume: Yes, polish it up and make it shine. Work with a professional to make sure you have key words and action verbs. But don’t lead with a resume! Employers are consumed with paper. You’ll need it in time—after you’ve established the relationship!

3. Use social networks: LinkedIn is a fabulous free resource that will get you information on potential companies, industries, and the people within them. Take the time to understand the power of these tools and use them to navigate into the situation you desire.

4. Get out in person: Attend as many networking functions as possible. Approach people with an air of curiosity and ask them first what they do. Ask a lot of questions. Find out how you can help them. Then, allow the conversation turn to you. People will remember those who take the time to listen to them, and although they may not be a fit for your immediate job requirements, they may know someone who is. Start by establishing the relationships!

5. Follow up: Nothing says “I am serious and should be taken seriously” more than a thorough and thoughtful follow-up. Get note cards with your name on them and send a handwritten note. Take notes on the back of collected business cards so you’ll remember what you talked about—and what you had say you would do. And make sure you do what you said.

When you are looking for a job, your job is looking for one. Make sure you approach it with the same level of enthusiasm, integrity, and energy that you would apply to a new position. Make your mission networking with a purpose and let the jobs come to you!

Janet Neal is the Executive Director and Founder of The Professional Women’s Center. She is a coach, writer, speaker, and trainer who specializes in teaching the use of social networking. You can reach her at janet.neal@thepwcinc.com or visit her website at www.thepwcinc.com.