Are You Job Searching Backwards?

Most job seekers believe that the first and most important thing they need to do is get their resume done.  While having a well written resume is important and necessary, most job seekers also ‘lead’ with it, i.e. they believe that’s the first thing potential employers want to see and know about them.  That approach is dead wrong and if you’re job searching that way, you’re doing it backwards.

A job search is about relationships, because ultimately: people hire people, they don’t hire resumes.  And just like dating, the most important question hiring professionals are asking themselves is: “Do I like this person?” So being likable, friendly, positive, engaged and enthusiastic will get you further.  Yes, further than having all the right skills and experience.

I know job seekers don’t like to hear this, because we’ve all been in work situations where we meet the ‘new person’ and wondered ‘how the heck did they get this job'?  It’s because someone who was in a position to make the decision liked them.  Job seekers want to believe they’re being evaluated based on experienced, skills and knowledge – but you’re not, at least not solely.

So don’t job search backwards.  Yes, have a well written resume but don’t expect that’s all you need.  Work on your networking skills and like-ability to put your job search forward facing.

Brenda