Not Enough

No matter how strong your resume is, you need more

As important as your resume is, landing that next job still depends on YOU!

Unless you just started your job search this week, as a job seeker you’re probably tired of hearing about resumes and how important they are in your search.

Unfortunately all those people are right. Your resume is a critical component of your job search. Fortunately there is no shortage of advice, articles, books, counsel, samples, templates, etc. readily available to help you craft the sure-fire resume that will knock the socks off any recruiter or hiring manager who sees it.

Now they’re telling you that you need a resume specially-tailored to each and every job for which you apply. Then, of course, there are the electronic versions of your resume which are another ball of wax. Unfortunately, they’re all right as well.

We hope you’re not depressed, because we’re saving the worst for last. As critical as your resume is – and it is critical – it’s not what’s going to get you a job. Ultimately, what’s going to land you your next position is… you! You see, jobs are not won by resumes alone.

You’re the one who is going to convince that interviewer or hiring manager that you’re best possible candidate for the job. You’re the one who is going to have to spell all the benefits that you can offer the organization. You’re the one who is going to have to address all the age-related issues that may be thrown in your path.

In the final analysis, you’re the one who is going to have to carry the day.

Resumes are just a part of the process. They’re just dots on a page. As important as your resume is, you’re the one who will have to bring those dots to life, to sell (Yes, we said “sell.”) yourself. As has been said many times before, looking for a job is a sales process and – while your resume (along with several other components) is important – to complete the sales process, you are the product that needs to be sold and you’re the one who has to do it.

Many people feel uncomfortable about “sales.” Many people don’t believe that they are capable of “selling.” As a job seeker, however, sell you must.