While technology is an important part of the job search equation, it doesn’t trump thought-work, introspection and proper targeting.
Yes, totally ignoring technology can potentially be harmful, in that disregarding its value could equate to missed opportunities. However, overshadowing the process with a hyper-focus on technology’s ability to catapult your results can be equally harmful.
Why You Must Not “Forget Your Resume”
Experts who advise you to “forget your resume” and instead focus on building a personal website, or recruiters that suggest that your LinkedIn profile is more important than your Word-formatted resume, are ignoring the full picture of the job search.
In fact, whatever the language used in resume-related conversations, the bottom line is that a resume (aka, career summary) always will be needed, and the venue you use to ‘house’ that resume (i.e., personal website, LinkedIn profile or even your Facebook page) is secondary.
Moreover, the go-to default for the resume venue still is, and for the foreseeable future will be, the Microsoft Word document. And if leveraged well, the Word presentation can be just as dynamic, interesting and personality-rich as online profiles.
Funnel Your Energy Into Your Focused Message
Thoughtfully pulling the threads of your value through to tell a story that intersects with your target employer’s needs is most crucial and where initial energy should stream. Only after this thought-work should you invest energy into identifying the different channels for your story; i.e., MS Word document, LinkedIn profile or a personal website, all which can be communicated to the target employer digitally.
Job Search Blends Many Tools and Methods
As Dawn Bugni, Master Resume Writer and owner of Write Solution said, “Job search blends many tools and methods. I’m always amused when someone declares the resume is dead, especially when I find those posts, moments after a call, from a desperate prospect, who needs a hard copy resume – not a LinkedIn profile, not an online portfolio – to advance with their current employer, not even an external position.”
She continued, “Online content blends with, complements and enhances traditional methods. Job seekers need a vast array of tools in their job search toolbox, and the wisdom to determine what will work best in each situation.
Job search is a land of gray. Sweeping generalities implying ‘this is the only way to do job search’ or ‘there is only one tool you’ll need’ limit a job seeker’s potential. It takes more than a hammer to build a house. It takes more than an online profile to navigate a job search.”
So, before you ditch your resume in lieu of the next great application or other online strategy that claims to be the magic wand, take a deep breath. Focus on crafting a meaningful story first and the tools to share that story second.
