How To Get A Job: Burn Your Resume!
My Cat Fight On TV
I got in a fight. Live. On TV. It wasn't Jerry Springer. As an executive coach, I was asked for advice on Morning News at 9 on KTLA TV here in Los Angeles.
Why the fight?
I asked viewers to stop being victims.
"Play the solution game. Come up with three solutions to every problem you find." That really pissed off one of the anchormen. He came up with every reason that a person just couldn't do that.
I love a good fight.
So, I asked the news team to come up with a solution to a problem.
Live. On TV. In 3 seconds. Guess what...they did.
After the segment, one of the news anchors next to me asked for advice. "Sure, I have a job. But our company is bankrupt." he said. He had friends who were at the top of their game and still were still looking for work after six months.
Why?
Because the world has changed.
It Is A Different World
We Twitter our movements. We text in to anyone who wants to read and respond. We email dozens of important and not-so-important messages daily. We get our news online. We FaceBook and YouTube all our personal news. We customize our music to fit our taste on our iPods.
You wouldn't listen to music on an 8 Track Tape. Why are you still writing your father's resume? If you haven't gotten the job you want...burn that resume!
It Isn't The Piece of Paper....It's YOU!
"The Internet has changed the way we communicate, learn and purchase goods. It has also changed the way we search, find leads and apply for a job." Says recruitment expert, Nicole Spicer.
Your resume does not get you the job - you get you the job!
As an executive coach, I have observed that there is a specific formula to getting a job.
First: You have to know all your experience, skills and passions.
Second: You have to glow and gleam confidence from the inside out.
Third: You have to know how to promote all these skills and confidences.
Use Your Friends
"Recruiters know that positions are filled through a recommendation, direct contact or by six degrees of separation." says Spicer. "You are competing with 500 other people to get a job. Who is going to get the attention of those hiring? The person that has a fan within the organization."
Obviously, networking is a critical component to the job search process, so constantly grow your network. Ask for assistance, someone on the inside can supply critical information about the position or the company's culture. Both or either will assist you in writing the appropriate profile for the specific job you are seeking.
Why does one person get their foot in the door? Why did the person that isn't as qualified as you get a job and you are still pounding the pavement? In this market it is essential to know your skills and know how to promote your skills.
That is why I asked to get insider secrets from the person that might be reviewing your resume.
Here are insider's secrets from recruitment expert, Nicole Spicer, of www.OARIP.com.
Insider Secrets
• Burn the resume! One size does not fit all! One page goes in the trash. Instead of "the" resume, write distinctive profiles for the different positions you will apply to.
• Burn the resume! Write a "Professional Promotional Profile" (PPP)! Take a day and write out your entire work history. Once you have recorded all your experience and skills you will see you can apply to diverse opportunities.
• Burn the resume! Customize all your documents! Use your PPP to write tailormade resumes, applications, cover letters, and email introductions specific to each job description. When you customize your resume to the job description you rise to the top of the list.
• Burn the resume! Cultivate your network! The highest percentages of professional positions are filled by people knowing people. Expand your network everyday. Ask your network for help. Get the inside scoop.
• Burn the resume! Make direct contact with recruiters! Internal recruiters to the companies you are interested in and external recruiters at appropriate staffing agencies or search firms that align with your career goals.
• Burn the resume! Build online profiles! Submit directly to company's "Applicant Tracking Systems" (ATS) and online networking sites like LinkedIn.
Here is another helpful article: How to find a job in a recession.
How are you coping with looking for a job? Please share a comment. You can receive notice of my blogs every Friday by checking Become a Fan at the top. Ask Eli a question at info@elidavidson.com or go to www.elidavidson.com today.
Eli Davidson is a nationally recognized executive coach and motivational speaker. Her book, "Funky to Fabulous: Surefire Success Stories for the Savvy, Sassy and Swamped", (Oak Grove Publishing) has won three national book awards. Eli is a reinvention catalyst, who can transform your professional and personal life from Funky to Fabulous with her ten, trademarked Turnaround Techniques that create rapid and remarkable results. Check out her blog at http://funkytofabulous.blogspot.com/.
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I believe if there was ever a time when we can make these shifts for ourselves, it is now. Many of my friends have been laid off -- from Senior VP's to IT managers to paralegals and assistants. None of them are wealthy; some have kids, elderly parents; most have mortgages and credit card debt. And yet to a person, they ALL see getting let go as the best thing that could have happened to them. They get to do something different, meaningful, interesting; some will do what they always wanted to do. They definitely are burning their resumes because they are burning with desire to be authentic. I have not been laid off and am pretty sure that I won't be. Am I making changes? You bet. I am energized by what my friends are doing. Why am I still stuck in a Day Job? I'm a writer -- and award winning playwright and I am a scheduler. Assistant. No more. I will use the tools I get from Eli's incredibly honest, forthright and simply, useful, book. I will use the amazing expertise I have learned from Nicole (full disclosure, Nicole and I are best buddies) -- but, friendship aside -- she is a ferocious recruiter and inspiration to anyone lucky enough to cross her path. She helped me years ago to craft a "Functional Resume" which now has become the PPP. What I learned! Try it
Hi Angry,
"They definitely are burning their resumes because they are burning with desire to be authentic." In my coaching practice I find that to be SO, SO, SO true!
"Many of my friends have been laid off -- from Senior VP's to IT managers to paralegals and assistants. None of them are wealthy; some have kids, elderly parents; most have mortgages and credit card debt. And yet to a person, they ALL see getting let go as the best thing that could have happened to them. They get to do something different, meaningful, interesting; some will do what they always wanted to do."
YES!!! I pray that everyone reads your comment!!! What a writer you are!
Excellent! it's great to have a fresh new approach to the same old same-o! I hope those seeking jobs will listen to these tips and try them out. when what you 're ding isn;t working time and time again, change your approach!
Hats off to you!
Dear VHS,
You are so wise. Part of creating a change is doing something new. Often, it can be uncomfortable- but worth it!
I burned my resume years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. The document I now send out (I don't rewrite it every time it's sent out, and it is sent out infrequently) is over twenty pages long. Oops! I broke another rule. And it works for me. I do project work and every person who reads my resume right through wants to work with me. It keeps me in work year in and year out. However, I could add that I work in a creative field and my document is a really good read with a great deal of interesting content, so clearly my approach may not work for people in other areas of specialty.
Dearest Alvarask,
THANK YOU! So, many readers will benefit from what you shared!
You send out a document that is over 20 pages long.
"I do project work and every person who reads my resume right through wants to work with me. It keeps me in work year in and year out."
Other job seekers can learn from your experience,even if they need to customize your approach for their field.
Best,
Eli Davidson
Thanks for the comment Eli...you are a person passionate about what you do! And I have to say that this, for me at least, is my number one source of work. I am passionate to my very bones about the work I do. I believe the work I do helps change the world (and I would believe that no matter WHAT work I did, because it's true for everyone!) and I allow that passion to pour out during my meetings. When I enter a room I take a quiet inventory of the "energy" level in the room and then the same when I'm leaving. In between, I do all can to raise that energy level in such a way that not only am I inputting a great deal of energy, but so is everyone else. The result is that everyone can sense the increase of energy around them, because when we all input everything we have, the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts. People seem to love this energetic feeling, and even if they don't agree with everything you say, they want to reconnect with the energy alone. That energy is fed by your passion for what you are doing. To those who cannot feel any passion...I recommend taking any downtime to identify where your passions lie and trying to move towards that as a source of income. They will feel happier and grateful and the work will flow to them.
See Kari Henley's Profile
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is fantastic, timely and you are a GREAT FIGHTER!|
Go fight for all of us out there!
This was so inspiring!
Kari
Dearest Kari,
Thank you so much. My goodness I was DAZZLED by your post. I believe that every reader, no everyone in the world needs to read your current post! You and I are fighting "the battle" to help our planet to shift. From a negative focus to a positive focus.
Thank you once again.
Eli
Eli, when you advise to "write distinctive profiles for the different positions" and to "customize all your documents" using a "PPP to write tailormade resumes, applications, cover letters, and email introductions specific to each job description," is there anywhere to actually see some examples? I went to Nicole Spicer's website and didn't see anything that would help. I would LOVE to see the old resume format done away with in favor of more creative ways to tell my story. However, I have not met many forward thinking HR people and am not sure how creative I can be. Thank you.
Emyl:
I do not have specific examples on my website as the whole point is “one size does not fits all.” Examples would be as many as there are job descriptions. Format wise there are standard formats for resumes, they are usually industry specific. It is not so much about the format but about the content of the resume (profile).
Unfortunately, detailed instructions to the PPP process are too lengthy to describe in an brief article. Our workshops are an entire day. We are designing webinars, breaking down the different elements of the day workshop into hour sessions – soon to be offered on my website.
The basic idea of the PPP is to write a document encompassing your entire career history then to use that document to customize a profile (resume/application) each time you apply for a position based on their job description. And, I am not suggesting you get “creative” with facts or format – just know all your skills and be direct with your approach each time. Give the recruiter the pertinent, relevant experience you have that matches that position.
To be clear – I am not HR. I agree, HR people are not creative by nature; they are by the company book people. But your immediate audience when applying to a job is usually a career recruiter, they are the ones reading and sorting the resumes (profiles) as they enter the HR hiring process. Recruiters will appreciate a direct, relative, honest approach.
Nicole
Dear Emyl,
You may want to check into the strategy that Alvarasak shared in their comment. It sounds like they are doing something along the lines of a PPP and it is working very well for them.
Note: Alvarasak sends a 20 page document! It is another confirmation that everyone should burn their 1 page resume!
Stay in touch. Please let me know how it is going.
Eli
I have had many great jobs over the years and never, ever got one by sending a resume. It is a complete waste of time. Having to send a resume without ever having contact first is a sure bet one will never get the job. I have usually sent it after the interview or brought it with me to the interview. Networking is the only way plus telling everyone you know you need a job. Flexibility is also key.
Thanks so much for sharing your suggestion. There ahve been so many questions about networking that it will be next week's post. You must have a superb network and do an excellent job in your interviews.
I hope that you will share some of your advice and tips with other readers.
The reason we are b eating the drum for a PPP is that it is CUSTOMIZED to fit the job description. This is one of the most proven, effective ways to get your foot in the door if you don't know someone at the company
Eli,
Thanks so much for being such a great cheerleader for each of us who are wanting to match our talents with a position that allows us to be all of who we are.
Am grateful for your inspiration.
The whole job hunting scene is a drag. I already customize my resume when I'm applying for jobs that call for different skills. My issue is with networking. The whole idea is demeaning. I'm a person that others seem to like, however, I'm NOT especially social. I understand that networking really is an important part of the job search these days, but I hate it.
When I say that being required to network is demeaning, I mean it is DEMEANING.
I'm not disagreeing with the article, however. Just saying that people who suffer from social anxiety should have our own continent where we could devise practical and painless methods of finding jobs and shopping.
Hi Robotfrog,
Thank you for being so open and honest. I so relate to how demeaning the process of job hunting is in this market. As a motivational speaker, many of my engagements were canceled. The conferences were canceled and they didn't want to pay for me to motivate empty chairs...We are walking in similar shoes.
You must be psychic. Next week we will cover HOW to network. If you approach networking as a way to contribute to others, my bet is that you will find it less demeaning. The more you have an intention to serve others the more effective your networking becomes.
Please stay tuned for next week's post. Once you read it, I hope you will comment, ask questions, and get support!
I am here for you!
Eli Davidson.
Next week's post sounds like it will be interesting. I'm sorry to hear about the cancellations of your speaking engagements.
It's unfortunate you have such anxiety about a perfectly human activity, that of social interaction. It could open up many other aspects of your life. Perhaps there's a way to overcome that... ?
Ron
I've been in therapy and I'm on the usual medications.
I'm better than I was but it's still awkward and very uncomfortable.
We all have areas that are challenging to us. In coaching I constently see people into obstacles into stepping stones.
I believe "It Takes A Villiage To Change A Habit." That is why getting ongoing support is so key. I am happy to be part of your support system.
That was so sweet.
Do you have social anxiety behind a keyboard?
Make sure you are not confusing networking with pestering or begging. Networking is a sharing of ideas, information, mutual interests and support in all forms. In this day and age it is easy and unobtrusive. In reality, FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn etc. etc. are all networking sites. I personally do not find them demeaning but rather fun and informational.
It could be as easy as you putting up your profile online and letting people know you are seeking employment – you might be surprise who contacts you.
There is however an art to networking and the next article in the series will cover that – I hope you tune in!
Nicole
You have to find ways to like it for at least an hour or two. Networking is key, esp in the entertainment industry. Maybe you could find ways using twitter or facebook to propel your cause. Good luck finding work. I have been there...
Hi Nicole and Nicky,
I have a FaceBook and LinkedIn account, but in the case of LinkedIn, the only people I've linked with are ones I've know for almost 2 decades. I saw some of their contacts who I would have liked an intro to, but couldn't bring myself to ask. It feels like I'm being intrusive.
I guess my efforts are a work in progress.
Maybe that applies to a lot of people.
This piece doesn't really mean to "burn your resume." It is suggesting you write resumes directed to a specific position you want. Along with using new technology to optimize your skills, these suggestions are not new--but they are useful and effective if you know how to use them.
Hi Reasonshouldrule,
I appreciate your thoughtful comment.
Yes...irritating as it may be we do want readers to burn their current resumes.
Starting from scratch gives the readers a fresh start to document at all of their skills.
Nicole Spicer's PPP has clients write down the skill sets that they are using outside the work environment. As a coach, I find that lack of confidence is a widespread problem. The PPP is helps the job seeker to go back in time and recognize talents and abilities they may have forgotten.
The PPP serves a dual purpose. It documents past success and instills confidence. Many in the job market have more skills than their resume's represent.
This is a very effective technique if used properly, and I appreciate your support.
Best,
Eli Davidson
Eli Davidson
Hi Eli,
The PPP is an interesting concept, one that is probably outside most peoples' comfort zone. I'd have to really think about how it might work for me.
Ron
"Yes, only in America do we lose our physician and dentist along with our job. Can you believe how long we've gone along with this?"
It is, particularly in a nation that supposedly adheres to "free market" principles. If people are tied to their jobs, it stagnates the economy. People can't move freely from job to job keeping industries flexible. Public healthcare would end that problem. You'd be covered whatever job you had, or whether you worked at all or not.
Dear President Booth,
I couldn't agree with you more. Healthcare can never be fairly delivered if it is ties to profitability.
In my opinion a single payer system is the only way to provide care.
Exactly correct. The best argument I know of for universal health care is that it encourages entrepreneurship and a fluid workforce.
Thank you so much for your support. I believe that we have more power than we know.
My intention is to help those get jobs who want them. In my personal opinion, small business is where our economy is headed.
I am a huge believer in the power of entrepreneurship! It has transformed my life.
I have worked in the health care system, and I disagree totally with your premise. There are other solutions than "public health care". Private insurers can provide less expensive health care. If the waste and inefficiency in our current health care system were eliminated, it would enable the providers to cover those who don't currently have insurance or care plans. That's what the government needs to do.
Ron
Hi Tuscan,
It is so great to have someone from the industry weigh in on this issue.
I hope you continue to be part of this important conversation!
Eli Davidson
Dear Eli,
Though I'm not in the market for a job, I found your post fascinating and informative, including the comments. What great interactions you're having here!
I'm forwarding this to my daughter, who probably will be changing jobs soon and will find this information helpful, I'm sure. I'm also posting it on my FB page.
You continue to be a passionate source of possibility. I love your big, generous heart! You keep on, keeping on. God knows the world needs more of the likes of you.
Bless you!
Judith
Dearest Judith,
You are such a beacon of inspiration to me. Your soulful thoughtfulness and wisdom always stirs me.
I was seeing a need for specific actionable help for those looking for work. Nicole Spicer and I are so on the same page. Her PPP is the only way to stand out in the crowd. When they have 500 other resumes you need to tailor make yours to the position being offered.
YOU are such an example to me of LIVING in SOLUTION.
I hold you in my heart.
Eli
See Ed and Deb Shapiro's Profile
Eli - You bring Light to HuffPo - I can tell because I can see the Glow- far away!
This so meaningful- and well written
You really ROCK
Thank you
Love ya,
Ed
Hi Ed,
I sure glow when I see anything you have touched! (3 comments I made on your last BRILLIANT post evaporated...so I am going back today...)
Our world is better, oh, so much better for your thoughtful, kind, generous leadership.
Cherish You,
Eli
See Ed and Deb Shapiro's Profile
thanks sis
Ommmmmmmmmm
Ed
How many of those who "burned the resume" went out and got jobs of any kind?
That's not the point.
They're saying get rid of the generic one-size-fits-all resume and make a customized resume for each job, targeted at the specific job skills that job is looking for.
They're also saying not to rely on a resume. To network and use the internet.
I think you need to go back and read it again. Print it out and highlight it if you have to.
Hi Mlilaiuppa,
You go!
Let's support each other in going to get a job in a new way in the new paradigm of the current job market.
Thanks,
Eli Davidson
I agree totally. One can't be too creative today.
Hi David,
Recruitment expert Nicole Spicer, of www.OARIP.com has over 20 years of data regarding your question. Nearly all of those that burned their resume DID go on to get a job. One of my recent clientss got a job...there were 800 other applicants.
One of the fellow commenters used this technique. She burned her resume
It is so great that you can ask her for her personal experience.
Nicky D
Scroll down
A few months ago I took Eli's "Job Hunt" advice, did burn the old standard resume and am now busier than ever with my business I started and almost to the point of turning clients aways!! It works!!!
Dear RB,
Thank you so, so much for sharing your valuable comment. YOU are an inspiration. I hope that all the job seekers out there read your comments.
If you have other advice for those looking for help- I hope that you will share them.
I so appreciate your sharing that
THIS STUFF WORKS
IF
YOU WORK IT!!!
I will be asking those that are disheartened to read your comment!
Eli
I'm curious as to what else you did to make it work and what business did you start? Perhaps your success will inspire others to follow suite.
Ron
In my coaching practice I have observed clients get jobs (one recent example was KS in Orange County. There were 800 applicants- she client got the job.) My experience is limited to those in my practice.
That is why I invited a recruiter to give you insider secrets.
Nicole Spicer is regarded as a leading expert in the field. She says that a custom resume is the only way you are gping to get your foot in the door.
She has 20 years of evidence. Please check into her brilliant work. www.OARIP.com.
David:
It is brutal out there, I agree. In my 20+ years of recruiting I have never experienced a job market this bad. BUT, all the more reason to put on your best game fact with your top strategy to get in the game!
Actually, I have several client candidates who were not even getting bits on their resumes until they put this stuff (Eli’s series of articles) into practice. Now they are getting interviews and a couple have secured positions.
Best game face -- confidence, consistency and persistence will win out!
Nicole
HI Neva,
I hope that you put Nicole's incredible system to the test! Keep us in the loop.
We want to know your progress, and support you all along the way!
Go for it,
Eli
Thanks for your recruiting advice Nicole!!
Great article, except for some of your language: "That really pissed off one of the anchormen." Unnecessary and gratuitous, especially for an executive coach. I'll wager it's lost you a few clients who have checked into this thread.
Also, do I detect some contradiction:
"Burn the resume! Customize all your documents! Use your PPP to write tailormade resumes, applications, cover letters, and email introductions specific to each job description. When you customize your resume to the job description you rise to the top of the list."
Burn your résumé, yet customize it.?
Eli,
From a TV Producer standpoint I love the tip "Burn Your Resume!" What a great inventive way to get the readers attention and set yourself apart from all of the other coaches out there. We have all heard the usual tips from recruitment experts that are so boring and so 1990. Everyone needs to take note and in order to stand out from the 1000 other applicants, you must tailor your resume to each individual job and letter. I have in fact started to tailor my resume to the exact needs of potential employers and I landed two job interviews. I was told at the interviews that my resume stood out from the 500 other resumes - this is for a two week job!!
WOW!!
You did a PPP.
There were 500 other applicants for the position.
They called you in for an interview- from your 'PPP resume'
I will ask readers to learn from your experience.
Thank you so much for sharing it!
Eli Davidson
Hi Neva,
My last reply evaporated. Thanks for your perspective. My executive coaching clients value my authenticity. If I "piss some one off" I will say so.
Please burn your 1 page resume.
Please create a custom PPP which is numerous pages and customized to the specific job description.
There isn't a contradiction. Hope that helps.
Neva:
As "Burn the Resume" was generated out of my work allow me to explain. 1) It is meant to grab ones attention as a sound bite – so hopefully they will read on. 2) It is really Burn “the” Resume – meaning most people write “the” resume, one resume that they use for years just adding a new paragraph on top of their latest duties/responsibilities.
I believe in this difficult market you have to customize your profile for every opportunity, matching as best as possible to the job description. With giant online Applicant Tracking Systems and recruiters reviewing hundreds of resumes for every opening your resume (profile) must capture attention within seconds.
Also personally, I would love the resume to be replaced with a “Professional Promotional Profile” and will continue beating that drum.
Any other recruiters out there agree with me??
Nicole
My advice is if you're over 45, to find a nice union job. Maybe government, maybe private sector.
Hi Skymuffin,
One of the best ways to do that is to create a PPP that shows that you are uniquely qualified for any of those plum jobs.
Best,
Eli Davidson
My issue is a bit different. I am an adjunct college teacher. One of my appointments was not renewed, while I maintain the other, which does not pay enough for me to live on it.
So my dilemma is that I must maintain a job that has such irregular hours that it prevents me form taking a second.
I will try the techniques advocated in this piece, but I'm skeptical.
I suspect I'll try to temp until I can get another teaching appointment, and hope and pray that the stopgap measure does not become my livelihood long term.
proggirl.
She's right.
The best way to get a good job is by networking. Seventy-five percent of jobs are not advertised. Many of the remaining jobs are only advertised because legally they have to be. In fact they have already chosen someone for the position.
Headhunters and agencies are generally useless, because for some bizarre reason they don't consider their candidates clients.
Thousands of résumés come in for one job. They all look the same, and without exception, they are almost all bullshit. Ninety-five percent of them are not even picked out of the pile.
To take the advice further: the best way to proactively find your dream job is to determine what your passion is and what you can do within that passion. Research the organizations within that field. Then proactively find a job by contacting them and selling yourself.
Dearest Proggirl,
I can so relate to the challenge that you are facing. In an 18 month period, I lost my marriage, business and health and had $88,000 of credit card debt. (That was a decade ago.)
PLEASE take the time to create a PPP. Look at all of your skills and abilities. I am sure that you have many skills that would make you an ideal candidate for a job you might not thought of applying for at the moment.
Don't forget to keep yourself motivated. If you haven't joined a support group, There is a Facebook group called Enterprising Women that could be a support to you. www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49755380901&ref=ts&ref=ts
Please keep me in the loop and let me know how things are going!
Eli Davidson
Wow, Eli,
You are impressing me more and more, as I read your posts.
That is awesome. Will you be writing more blogs to let us know how you managed to get out of such an enormous hole?
Neva
Dear Proggirl,
I know what it's like to be deeply challenged. These are dark days, and I know that you CAN get through it.
Please check out the information at Nicole's Spicer's tips at www.OARIP.com. Her techniques work.
Please keep me in the loop of how I can support you,
Eli Davidson
Just checked back in after a day's grading (end of semester and all). I am attempting to be more proactive and receptive to possibilities. I will follow up on your insights this weekend, thank you.
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