The Old Rules:
- Scouring online job boards is the most efficient use of your time.
- It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
- Years of experience open doors.
- The resume is your most important tool.
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Old Rule |
New Realities |
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1. Online job boards are efficient. |
According to futurists, most professional careers will see a major overhaul within the next 5 years. Technological advancements combined with shifting business practices equals new job parameters in just about every industry. Long term experience shows commitment, but on a practical level, it may become a liability. Don’t get mired in the way things have always been done. Leaning on the past makes you seem like a dinosaur. Instead, look to the future and get excited about developments that are happening in your field. |
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2. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. |
Knowing hot shots and big wigs used to be an exclusive privilege. Unless you already ran with elite circles, the chances of “getting connected” were slim. Today, job hunters are much more empowered. Even the so-called little guy can make himself known through social networking and online outlets. And since most of today’s jobs are acquired through in-house referrals, being known by respected professionals is your surest ticket to an interview. |
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3. Years of experience open doors. |
According to futurists, most professional careers will see a major overhaul within the next 5 years. Technological advancements combined with shifting business practices equals new job parameters in just about every industry. Long term experience shows commitment, but on a practical level, it may become a liability. Don’t get mired in the way things have always been done. Leaning on the past makes you seem like a dinosaur. Instead, look to the future and get excited about developments that are happening in your field. |
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4. Your resume is your most important tool. |
Resumes are still important, but they’ve ceased to be the most important tool in a job hunt. In fact, many employers and recruiters first approach resumes as a way of excluding candidates and narrowing their pool. Your resume is scoured for negatives, before any positives are weighed. What’s more, research shows that more than half of all resumes contain significant falsehoods. So employers are more skeptical than ever. Bottom line: you do need a resume. It ratifies your qualifications at the end of the employment cycle. In the meantime, work on being known. |
The New Rules:
- Create the future. Research trends, especially federal and state stimulus spending, new technologies, and regulatory changes. Update your language. Get excited about what is cutting edge and revolutionary. Know how your capabilities and interests mesh with the industries and companies that are on the rise.
- Target 5 Companies. Even in sluggish economies, some industries are still growing and hiring. Avoid the industries with the biggest layoffs and the sinking stock prices. Focus on 5 companies that are thriving, and become an expert on what they do. Network with people who work there. Be prepared to bring resources to your new contacts: ideas, customers, referrals, channels, etc.
- Build a Power Circle. Pinpoint 10, must-know people. They should be savvy, connected, and powerful people who need to know who you are. Do your research. Know what they are passionate about. Look for simple ways to offer them your help. Update your power circle every year to keep it relevant in changing times. Ten powerful people who know you well are worth 10,000 casual links.
- Get involved in Community Organizations. While you are unemployed, stay busy and work on something charitable. This shows a positive attitude, a giving nature, and even self-confidence. Volunteer work often boosts your self-esteem. It also helps to provide some perspective on how fortunate you really are. As a bonus, you might meet someone important who can help your career.
Gordon Miller and Michael Cushman contributed to this article. Gordon Miller, “America’s Career Coach” is the best-selling author of “The Career Coach - Winning Strategies for Getting Ahead”. Michael Cushman is a leadership coach and non-verbal communication expert based out of Denver, CO. His website is www.engagingchange.com.
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