The Resume Secret is YOU!

Everywhere you turn, you see yet another advertisement, whether formal of just a blog or tweet, that someone has the untold secret to a successful job search.  Why is that?

Well, the “secret” it seems is that all the conventional wisdom still applies, though the methodologies for applying it have changed, in some cases dramatically.

It’s still true that the vast majority of open positions are not overtly advertised.  Now, though, instead of searching through the newspaper every Sunday for those that are, job seekers are spending untold hours each day searching the internet sites.  This has spawned quite a business for internet job search sites, and a job seeker can now be informed of the openings – regardless of location – by myriad different programs.

The sage advice of old to “network, network, network” is still appropriate and necessary today.  However, in addition to finding ways to meet people in person, we have social networking to keep us in front of our computers or on our cell phones.  MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter and the many more that will spring up in future nanoseconds offer fertile ground for expanding one’s network, though they also offer never-ending distractions to the job seeker.

The job seeker’s primary marketing tool is still a resume, whether organized chronologically, functionally, or as a profile on one’s social network, and everyone seems to have an opinion about what works best.  In actuality, the format doesn’t matter as long as it is current, accurate, easy to read, and effective in highlighting the job seeker’s strengths and accomplishments.  The newest development in terms of resumes is perhaps the VisualCV which allows you to build a resume file that also contains articles you’ve written, presentations you’ve given, awards you’ve received, etc., in digital form.  This creates for you a personal url that prospective employers and recruiters can explore to gain a much deeper insight into the “whole” you.

It’s still critical to do your homework and pursue any proactive avenues that could possibly lead you to the job of your dreams.  Cover letters should always accompany a resume, in hard copy or digital form, and appropriate language, spelling and punctuation are required.  You should research any company you are approaching and do whatever you can to show the prospective employer what you can do for them.  Then, you should actively follow up any lead, any interview, and any offer you receive.

The most important ingredients in an effective job search are focus, confidence and good old fashioned shoe leather.  Attending a seminar or webinar to improve your focus and your confidence is a good idea, but it won’t get you a job without the shoe leather.  And working with a career coach throughout your search can also be very helpful.  Just make sure you remember that it’s your search, and the way to achieve your goal is to demonstrate what makes you special.