CPACareerCoach.com

Probably the single biggest challenge that job seekers face is getting their foot in the door. I hear this time and time again from candidates of mine. They are convinced that if they can just talk to a human being (hiring manager) that they can win the job. This seems like a huge obstacle to overcome in the day and age we live in especially with so many companies utilizing online job postings.

Job searching has become de-humantized (just made up the word!). With automatic replies that your resume was received and pre-formatted rejection letters that just need your name inserted and the other removed, there is no doubt that job searching lacks a human touch.

Well, the good news is there are ways to get your foot in the door, but you have to have two things working for you. These two things can be summed up in answering one question. The question may seem simple but if you can answer this question than you have accomplished your goal.

Here is the question:

Should I Meet You?

Go ahead and say it….what, that’s it? However, you would be surprised how many people do not take the time to explore whether they are adequately answering this question or not.

Two Strategies that MUST Work Together

Now, I want to share with you two strategies that must work together to answer the question (Should I meet you?) and get your foot in the door for an interview.

Strategy #1: The Right Resume

Here is how most people see their own resume (see if it is true about you):

1. A Painful Process- They see it as a painful process and want to get it done as soon as possible. The other thing they do is just continually update the old resume never really giving much thought to it. They think that a resume is some task that you can just check off of a list. What they fail to recognize is that it must be tailored from time to time to fit the position they are applying for.

2. An Exhaustive Work History - Most people also see their resume as a document that list out their job description. Please, do not miss this point. Your resume is not meant to read as a boring job description. Now, you do need to have critical information in there as to what you did, but your resume is ultimately a marketing piece. Never forget that. Your resume should evoke some kind of emotion in the reader. Career accomplishments must be clearly seen as well as awards, goals met, and numbers produced. It should compel them to pick up the phone and call you. It should answer the question “Should I meet you?”

Strategy #2: The Right Networking

Never forget this principle: “People love to buy on the approval of others.” If you can remember this concept it will help you in your career at so many levels. I also believe that this statement is true when it comes to conducting a job search. Now there is a lot to networking and more then I can cover in this post, but in order to give you the basics here are two approaches.

1. E-Networking – Simply put, this is networking online. I believe that online social media will change the way we do job searching in the next ten years as much as email did in the last ten years. When you combine the ease of access, the ability to communicate, and networking with people you have a powerful combination. You can network on your terms and in your own time online through social media sites.

2. O-Networking – I call this Offline Networking. Now, I do not believe that you should abandon traditional forms of networking all together. Something always magical happens when you get out and meet people and that will never change. You could use e-networking as a means to do o-networking. Find someone online through a friend and than offer to meet up for coffee and insight on your job search.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

So, what is the fastest way to get your foot in the door? Have a dynamic resume that sells your accomplishments and someone that can give you a stamp of approval. Where is your barrier? Is it in the resume itself or have you been too busy to network? Get started today and work these two strategies.