Back in the dark ages, the established rules of job searching remained relatively the same for decades. These days, many of those rules are no longer helpful to your search – in fact, they can work against you in the new world of work. Here, I share the old rules that you must replace with new practices if you want to stay relevant in today’s job-search environment.
Myth: Don’t use your photo. We were once told not to put a headshot on a resume. The rationales ranged from “Hiring managers will discriminate” to “They don’t want to see your headshot.” Today, your headshot is one of the most important personal branding tools you have. As more elements of the job search process have moved online, hiring managers and recruiters want to connect a face with a name.
Myth: Your resume is the key to getting hired. There was a time when the resume was king – the most important element of your career marketing tools. Today, your resume has been relegated to a secondary document used to validate what you say about yourself in your bio.
New Must-Do: Focus on your bio. It is you when you aren’t there. Your bio goes beyond sharing accomplishments. It not only tells people what you have done, it tells them who you are – in a story format that makes you memorable and attractive to decision makers. Focus on writing an authentic and compelling bio, and then create a 2,000-character version for your LinkedIn profile.
Myth: A fantastic in-person interview is the key. A lot of job search practice used to focus on preparing for the in-person interview. We even practiced shaking the hand of the interviewer. Today, that in-person interview comes long after many other hurdles you need to jump.
New Must-Do: Prepare for your video interview. You likely won’t even get to the in-person interview until after you have had a good video interview. Get comfortable on camera. Find a location that has the right lighting, with a backdrop that will impress rather than distract the interviewer. Next, rehearse with a friend. Acing the video interview is the key to getting in to shake the hand of the hiring manager.
Myth: Hide any gaps in your work history. One of the biggest questions job seekers have is “How do I explain gaps in my employment?” That used to be a job-search killer. No more.
New Must-Do: Own your gaps with pride. When you experience gaps, do things that will give you fodder for discussion with hiring managers. Write a book, volunteer, work on contract. Do something that makes the gap a huge asset and differentiator. Repeat after me: Gaps Are Good.
Myth: Only activate your job search when you absolutely have to. Let’s face it. Job search was once a binary activity. Either you were happy at work and therefore not looking, or you were unhappy or unemployed and therefore pounding the pavement. You’d embark on all the activities necessary to find a job, and once you landed one, you’d forget about job search entirely. Today, that mindset could have you missing out on some of the best opportunities for your career.
New Must-Do: Become a constant passive candidate and let career opportunities come to you. Employed people are more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers, but they need to be able to find you. In an article in the Wall Street Journal, Ryan Ross, an executive recruiter with Kaye Bassman in Dallas, said, “More clients recently have indicated that they would prefer to fill positions with ‘passive candidates’ who are working elsewhere and not actively seeking a job.”
Myth: The key to finding a job is old-fashioned networking. It’s still true – the best way to find a job is through networking – but networking today has moved to the virtual network, going way beyond attending professional association meetings. According to US News, more than 70 percent of people land jobs through networking, which now involves a vast array of networks.
New Must-Do: Become skilled at networking online. Let’s face it. How many people can you meet in person through your real-world networking activities? Sure, in-person networking gives you a chance to give voice to your brand, but you’re numerically limiting your opportunities if you rely on this exclusively. Build your digital networking muscle. Learn how to use LinkedIn groups and their alumni feature to build numerous relationships with thought leaders in your field, connect with others through the comments of your favorite publications and engage with relevant people through YouTube and SlideShare. Use this approach to efficiently create a robust digital network that augments your real-world connections.
The employment landscape has changed. To navigate this new terrain, embrace the current job search norms so you can take advantage of all the career opportunities available.
Learn about building your personal brand. Download my complete list of 50 eye-opening questions to ask yourself when uncovering your brand here.
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