Many people entering the workforce or looking for a new career spend a lot of time crafting a resume that they hope will get them more than a few callbacks from potential employers. But many of those resumes spend more time sitting in a stack on a desk than getting the attention of the hiring manager in a company.
Resumes just don’t have as much pull in the workforce these days. Now, it’s more about who you know that gets your foot in the door with a company.
A resume still plays an important role in the hiring process, but it is not the way to get you a quick response from an employer. Companies do not hire a good resume. They hire someone they like and feel they can trust. That means getting yourself out into the circles that matter. Put together a network of contacts that help to show you in the best possible light, a map of people who give you a vote of confidence.
Where To Go For Modern Networking
Many professionals today use social networking sites like LinkedIn to build a network of people that they have worked with over the course of their careers. The networking of today has evolved from the days of elevator pitches and career seeker workshops.
These days more people are connecting online, meeting key players at industry conferences and events. Check out events that are hosting people who share similar goals and career tracks so that you are more likely to meet with people that you can converse with easily. A good flow in conversation means no awkward pauses and more meaningful connections that can help everyone on their way up in the workforce.
Look for ways that you can make relevant contacts within your industry. Attend book signings,speaking events,and workshops. Keep up with news through social networking groups online as well as industry blogs and websites.
Know Where You Want To Go
Not sure exactly what career path you’re passionate about or want to take yet? Take a step back and think about where you want to be later down the road. Is there a specific company you want to be a part of? Does the non-profit sector call to you? Are you thinking about getting started in a small startup?
Start looking for the right fit for you. You can choose which career path you want to take from there. Break down your skill set and figure out where those skills can be used in the company or industry you are interested in. Once you start getting a clearer picture of what you have to offer and what position you should aim for, then you can take a deeper look at what skills you need to add in order to make yourself a strong candidate for any company.
Use Those Connections
As you start spending more time with industry people at events, you will keep adding to your contacts and connections within different companies. Start requesting information from those contacts and you will find more leads for companies and roles that you probably would not have found on the job boards. Having someone on the inside who is ready to help you get your foot in the door is always a better avenue than having a polished resume.