Just to start things rolling in this first Job Seekers Support blog, I'd like you to think about the supply and demand of those looking for work and actual openings. Some reports coming out are stating for every 10 openings there are 35 to 40 seekers. Wow! So what can you do to compete?
Is a great resume enough? Is going on social networking sites helpful? Is reading this going to get you a job? Obviously I could go on, and on, and on...
Personally, I have been through 4 different careers, and in total maybe 6 different employers. Not one of them was ever gotten by sending out a resume or putting it on-line. Sure, some resumes work great for that, i.e. a CPA with international tax experience; a RN with surgical experience, etc. But many of us don't fit into such catagories...
My take is going pro-active in your job search is the key...it amazes me that someone with say relationship building skills, sales skills, or experince at managing, can't do some research, find out who a decision maker is in a company, pick up the phone and sell themselves.
I would guess less than 10% would do this. Why? Fear of course. So how can we get past this?
Keep watching this blog...I need to make calls!
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That's certainly been my experience. It's not been because of a great-looking resume as much as who I've talked to and groups I've affiliated with. I look forward to reading more, especially about that overcoming fears part. Thanks for putting this info. out there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. That's great to know, that you also have that same experience...and I'm sure if we stop to think about it, many or most of us have also found employment through other means besides shooting out resumes and hoping for the best.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind, a resume is akin to the tip of an iceberg. You are getting a slight glimpse of someone at best. Then you have to get it past an HR generalist (these days flooded with resumes and giving all your precious work a 5 second glance)...they are crucial of course, but will never replace the real thing...but then, that's the hard part, and that's why we're here...thanks again and I'll get to the FEAR part very soon.