The statistics that give feedback to a blogger have consistently told me that my postings about sections of resumes have been the biggest lures to my blog. Now this is good news – I love having readers. And those sections do prompt many of you to contact me for further assistance. Thank you. That tells me this blog is doing part of its job.
But wait! It also says that many of you readers believe that the perfect resume (whatever that is) is the object of your quest. And if you arrive at the perfect position description, work history, extra skills, references, or whatever, the next great job is sure to follow. And I want to say stop. Stop now.
It’s not that I don’t want you finding me through searching for terms about resumes. I just wish more people would search for articles and information about expanding their world. Yes, I’m talking networking. I almost never note an upswing in readership because of a search for networking, contacts, or informational interviewing. Come on, people. You’ve heard it, you’ve read about it, you’ve experienced it in your own life.
Networking can:
- Keep you current in your field,
- Take you in new directions,
- Get you out of your job search rut,
- Open a secret gate to the hidden job market,
- Provide new perspective,
- Cause you to enter a friendly, supportive new community.
How do you make the switch from obsessing about resumes to becoming an active networker? Here’s a reminder: get a copy of Make your Contacts Count by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon. This book is chock full of ideas you have not considered about how to make the most of the people you know and how to position yourself to meet new ones. Remember that tired (true) statistic about the hidden job market? How up to 85% of jobs are found through personal connection? The perfect resume won’t help you in your search for these opportunities, but the helpful buddy from your neighborhood, volunteer organization, or classroom just might.
I’ll know you have gotten the message when I see more searches for networking and fewer searches for resumes.
September 16, 2009 at 6:06 pm |
I cant write a resume I am happy with. Paying monster $200 to write it also did not help. I was not fond of that one either. the perfect resume does not exist.
from what I’ve been reading, finding your next job is all about knowing people in the right places. As you say, networking.
for introverts, that is bad news. But it is reality
September 16, 2009 at 6:42 pm |
Very perceptive – but remember that knowing people can get you the job, but having substance and knowledge can help you keep the job. Hang in there! Wise people are attracted to what introverts have to offer.