Posting your Resume. Don’t do it.
Posting your resume on the Internet – (whether through a formal career-based site or a free-for-all forum like Craig’s List) is like leaving your phone number on the bathroom wall of The Grits and Stuff Diner on Route 66.
You just have no idea (and no control) over who might contact you – any day – or any night.
And that’s c-r-a-z-y.
Having an onslaught of (all kinds of) uninvited and unwelcomed strangers “at your door” whenever they feel like checking you out and contacting you (or using your information to duplicate your identity) is not the best (or safest) way to secure that dream job.
Plus, who needs all that SPAM email?
Even sites where companies have to “pay” to view posted resumes is not the best way to go about your search for that ultimate role. For a few hundred dollars, most anyone can “buy” a membership and then have access to hundreds upon hundreds of (your) resumes.
Another reason why it is not recommended you post your resume on the internet – well, just spend 20 minutes or so actually reading the “resumes” posted on these free sites. They are rarely ever proofed, they include all sorts of personal and unnecessary information (like the year someone graduated from high school – please see that blog), and they are often just thrown up there – out there – without a second thought. Do you really want to join that group of wandering sheep led by no shepherd? Crafting the perfect resume for you TAKES THOUGHT. It takes time. It takes creativity. That one document of information to promote you is critically and utterly and profoundly IMPORTANT. You have no time to fool around with throwing something together and posting on the world wide web and then sitting back and hoping someone (real) will contact you.
Further, do NOT create a website just for your resume. In addition to the reasons aforementioned, who cares? Creating a whole website centered around your resume is silly! Just silly! Join facebook or linked in if you want to network and let people know about your kudos and accomplishments there.
Ok, shake it off. You thought perhaps the easier routes were the quicker routes. Nope. The job you accept in your life to go to every day – IS a big deal. Make a big deal out of preparing for it.
Now I’ll share with you the TOP THREE WAYS to get your resume out there effectively.
1) You must first decide what you are willing to do to secure a job. If you don’t want to relocate for a job, or travel over 45 minutes, or do 100%-commission sales, that narrows your search. And that’s ok. If you are not happy doing your job – everyone (the family, the clients, the company, the dog) suffer. No one wants that. So just because you are offered a job does NOT mean you have to accept it. (Please see the blog about interviewing). Once you’ve decided how far (literally) you are willing to travel, then do your homework. Search and research (all) companies within a certain radius of your travel allowance. Go to their websites. Look under their Career Opportunities section. Even if a company is not advertising to hire someone with your particular skills and talent today – SEND THEM A RESUME ANYWAY. And, when all possible. SNAIL MAIL IT. That’s right. (Some of us still enjoy the sound of the needle on the vinyl, you know). By snail mailing (go to the post office) a resume for a job THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE forces the Human Resources person, or the Manager, or the Owner to stop, open your mail, and look at it. Then they have to do something with that physical document. That takes a lot more time and attention then a quick glance at an email. By going this route, you are taking control (as much as you can) about where your resume goes and who sees it. You are selecting the companies where you might want to work (you’ll only know that for sure after you interview them). (Please see that blog).
2. In addition to exploring companies on your own, look for companies that are specifically hiring. You can look anywhere – window signs, Craig’s List, job sites. As long as the company posts a legitmate name or an address – send your resume to companies that are actually hiring. If there is no name or contact info, do not bother to respond. Especially if they write MUST SEND SALARY HISTORY (please see that posting). Some people make up ads to see what other workers in their field have earned. So you’ll be giving out all sorts of personal info to a “competitor” in your field and, of course, never get a response.
3. Along with researching companies on your own and responding to real jobs posted, a third effective way to let the world know you are seeking and ready for that amazing opportunity is through networking. Get involved in some community events, join a professional organization, tell your friends and family members to feel free to mention it to their friends and family members that you are actively on the job search. (That’s right. Swallow that pride, wash it down with a little bit of humility and a lot of faith) and let former clients and past employers and anyone and everyone who has ever loved and respected your work that you are open to interviewing with companies they might know are hiring.
So there you have it. Get your resume off the Internet. Send it to companies where you would love to work (a sports team, a radio station, a plant that manufacturers a product you use, the top mechanic’s shop in town – wherever); send it to companies who are advertising that they have positions open and available; and third, tell the people in your world you are open to the world’s opportunities.
November 19th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Good advise- thx