Thinking back 6 years ago does not strain my brain. It seems like just yesterday that I was looking for a job. I've had a resume since my freshman year in high school when my computer teacher required that we all scramble to gather up our meager work histories. That was a stretch to say the least. I remember putting together a list that looked something like this:
Mow Grandpas lawn: 1990 - 1995
Work on Uncle's computer: 1995 - 1995
Do chores around the house: since day 1 - Present
And then there was the part about "relevant course work". That was my first year in high school, by George! What coursework did I have? I could have listed my 4th grade experience, when I whipped through my 6th grade math book in a couple months. That surely would have impressed the potential employer of a high school student!
More to the point, though, in 2005 I had a real, paper resume. In my job search, I had pinpointed dozens of companies, found addresses for HR, printed out custom cover letters, and had them sent off by United States Postal Service. I wasn't completely old fashion. I posted my resume on Monster and applied online to dozens more advertised, open positions. All of this to no avail! I don't remember receiving a single response.
I now recognize that that method had become outdated several years before that. I ultimately found a position through face-to-face networking.
I now sit to revise my resume for the second time in 6 months. I find that my past resume was too narrowly focused on specific details of what I have done. Not enough broad thinking to recognize relevant skills across disciplines. I've now studies numerous up-to-date resumes, and it's time to put the finishing touches on mine. As I'm doing this, I also recognize there is a dearth of information in my sections titled "Professional Affiliations" and "Volunteer Experience". It's not that I haven't realized the importance of these sections to everyday life. These are things I should have been doing without concern for resume building, just as part of a well-rounded life. It's a nice bonus that they make for a well-rounded resume. But during a normal working career, volunteering gets crowded out. This will be a topic for another day, but I mention it now because it does go with the resume.
The point of this particular entry is to make note of the methods that I'm learning for the modern job search. Here seem to be the components of value. I list first the methods I'm using, followed by the methods I need to get started on:
- Networking via LinkedIn
- Networking via college alumni sites
- Headhunters
- Applying to specific jobs online
Methods I haven't yet used but should:
- Face-to-face networking
- Speed networking (sounds too close to speed-dating for my comfort)
- Talking to every stranger I can meet
Finally, methods I will not be using:
- Sending paper resumes via USPS
Is this ever a change to my old ways! Updates will appear as I discover what works and why.
