Take Charge!

I recently completed a number of free resume critiques for senior executive job seekers. Prior to receiving their critique, each person filled out a questionnaire in which I asked about their job search strategy. Out of 40 job seekers, over half had a strategy which consisted of posting their resume online and waiting for a response. And waiting. And waiting.

I gave them all tips for rewriting their resume, but unfortunately, my advice won't help those people at all because they're going about their search in the wrong way.

I firmly believe that job search has changed forever. The Internet made applying for a job so easy that companies and recruiters were forced to adopt technology designed to weed out resumes before a human being even sees them. I used to use a system like this when I worked in HR. They're great for busy HR folks and recruiters, but horrendous for job seekers. As are online resume databases.

It's just so passive to put your information into a system and then wait to see if the system selects you as a possible match. Who wants to be at the mercy of a computer?

So the next time you plan on spending an hour adding your resume to online databases, or applying through web-based systems, DON'T! Use that time for something more productive, something that can help you take charge of your own future. Here are some suggestions - but I'm only skimming the surface here so feel free to add your own ideas:

• Network - still by far the most effective method of finding a new job. What can you do to strengthen or revive your network?
• Brand Yourself Online - establish an online presence that allows you to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge. It can be a web portfolio, a blog, a Squidoo lens, a Linked In profile, or all four and more! By establishing yourself as an expert in your field, you may one day eliminate the need to ever look for a job again.
• Research and Target - use the Internet to research and target companies (and recruiters) who may be interested in someone like you. Blanket email campaigns don't work (and just annoy recruiters) but targeted ones have a much higher chance of success.
• Go Beyond the Posting - See a job you really want? Apply online as instructed, but then do more. Find out who's hiring and try to network your way to a personal meeting. If not, try finding someone else who works there via networking sites like Linked In or Ryze. Be aggressive in going after what you want.

Challenge: What else can you do to move from a passive to a proactive approach to your job search?