Why the resume is not enough

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Why the resume is not enough


Common ‘wisdom’ would have it that a well written resume and cover letter are the main weapons in any job-seeker’s arsenal, when it comes to finding and landing that job. Right from the time we leave school, we’re informed by a variety of (usually well intentioned) sources that a concise and descriptive resume filled with lots of experience and list of ‘good’ schools will see us right when it comes to selecting candidates for the interview.

Right?

Wrong! It’s 2014, and this way of thinking about job seeking is not only outdated, it borders on the dangerously naive. Dangerous for your career and prospects for landing anything other than heartache and frustration! So just what should a job seeker be doing to find and land the role of their dreams? It turns out that there are three main things that you need to do:

1. Stop looking for a job in just any company

If I had a dollar for every time a job seeker told me that they would be happy with a job in any company, I’d be able to write a book on cliches! Seriously folks – unless you think carefully about and identify the type of company that YOU want to work for, then it’s going to be very very hard to convince any business that you have the passion to be successful. I’m not talking about earning a wage and going home. I’m talking about the type of success that gets you recognised and promoted. The type of success that marks you out as a leader. But first, you have to work out what kind of company, culture and values will kindle that passion.

2. Think about what the company wants, not just what you want

Once you’ve identified what you want, you need to think about what the company wants. Remember – you’re selling something (your skills). To do that you have to know a bit about your target market. What kind of culture exists at that firm? What do they look for in their employees? How can you communicate in their language? If possible, talk to some existing and former employees and pick their brains as to how you can present yourself

3. Make your resume and cover letter great. But don’t stop there

You need a great resume. And a great cover letter. And you also need a bunch of other things that may be more important, depending on the industry that you’re in. These include the ability to network (yes, that horrible word!) and make contact with others who are in the position that you’d like to be in. With over 80% of job not advertised, it’s really the only way you’re going to be aware of roles that become available.