The Secret to Job Hunting

In today’s highly competitive job market, simply relying on one tool or method isn’t going to get you anywhere. In my many years of working with job seekers, I created a formula that has proven highly successful:

Leveraging Your Network Connections (New & Old) + A Solid, Impact-Driven Professional Brand = Job Offers

While networking shines as a game-changer, offering a referral's edge and a chance to stand out amidst the competition, your professional brand is the proof and the support to your claims. The harmonious fusion is what truly unlocks the doors to coveted job offers.

Why isn’t just my resume good enough?

Is there a chance that you could be hired simply off your resume? Sure. But as the job market sometimes can feel like the Hunger Games, I have to say, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

Let me explain. We are seeing between 200-900 applicants per job. So even if your resume is perfect and you are highly qualified, you are still up against some tough numbers to even get seen.

So this is where your network comes in.  I’m sure you have heard the saying, “It’s not what you know but who”. If you can get referred to speak to a recruiter or hiring manager, you are already well ahead of the game. Then you can speak to your experience and support those conversations with your kick-ass brand.

So, why isn’t just networking good enough?

Sometimes it is enough. In some, usually smaller companies, you might be able to get away with having some amazing conversations without ever having to present a resume. But, in most companies, there is a chain of decision-makers and a hiring process, and having a resume or at least a strong digital presence like LinkedIn, you will get blocked pretty early on. I can’t tell you how many times I had someone come to me in a panic because they were referred to someone about a job but that person needs to see a resume that they don’t have.

So, what should you do?

Two things. Start networking. And no, networking doesn’t just have to be in a stuffy hotel ballroom during cocktail hour. I recently chatted with someone who got my name through a past client of mine whom she met on a group tour in Greece. Networking can happen anywhere. It can be with your Uber driver, it can be your partner’s colleague’s partner, maybe even an old coworker. Networking happens anywhere and all the time! Start by making a list of the relationships you have. These can be casual relationships, friends, friends of friends, past coworkers, alumni, etc. Look at each of the relationships and see who you can tap into to start conversations, get referrals, and gain that golden ticket into the interviewer’s door.

Next, make sure your brand is updated and showcasing your value and impact. Think about how you talk about your work. What stories do you like to tell? What are you most proud of? What do people come to you about? These are the kinds of things that you showcase throughout your resume, your cover letter, and your LinkedIn profile. Having these complete and ready to go will give you confidence as you network because you know you can produce these right away if needed.

If your brand is not updated and you are not feeling confident if you had to send it in an instant, check out my back-to-school brand boost. I’m offering my 1:1 branding services at a reduced price until August 31st. That means, you will have a professional build you a targeted resume, a customizable cover letter, and update your LinkedIn profile to support all that networking you are about to do to land your next job. Learn more here.