Go “Chips All In” For Your Next Role

This weekend is the 56th American Superbowl. The 2020 Superbowl had a then-record of $300M made in sports bets and this year’s match up of the Los Angeles Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals is expected to break even more betting records. Here at the Resume Rescue, we want you to commit your entire chip stack to the pot when it comes to getting your next role.

Betting humor aside. We are serious about the commitment needed to find your next role.

Use your Network. Once more time: USE YOUR NETWORK. Potential job seekers can feel guilty or nervous about reaching out to their networks for help finding roles. Guilt or fear of being a bother to someone can limit outreach. You will not be a burden on others unless you waste their time in your lack of time and effort. Don’t believe in the power of networking? According to HubSpot, 85% of jobs are filled through networking and a whopping 70% of jobs are never published publicly.

Here are a few ways to use your network:

·????????Let people know you are looking for a new job or considering new opportunities. Word of mouth marketing works well for a reason. The same goes for career networking. Updating your LinkedIn, having specific calls about your search to close friends or families, and weaving this narrative into social situations helps let others know your intent. People are not mind readers so help others know where you are in your career journey.

·????????Reach out to anyone you may know at a company you are considering if you have questions about that company or role. If this is a more informal connection, use the opportunity to discuss their career and time at that specific company. Weave in your interest in that company and inquire what the availability of positions are. While not everyone will be willing to refer you directly, you can gather a lot of great information which can aid in your job search and increase your changes of a potential interview. Don’t know a soul, but love the company? Take a gamble and reach out to someone in the company who has the role you want or manages the area you want. Ask for 15 minutes of their time. The worst they can say is no.

·????????If you have made it to the interview round, do not hesitate to bring in work samples. Often an interview may not specifically ask for samples. Go over the top and be ready to show examples in person or virtually of your work. Help prospective recruiters, HR teams, or hiring managers know what you bring to the table. It takes little time and effort on your part, but it can pay dividends in making you stand out as a potential candidate. Quick tip: Not looking for a new role? Have a career portfolio folder where you can save great examples while you are in that role. It saves you time and effort for when you may need them down the line. It also works great for yearend reviews and performance evaluations to have documented work samples.

·????????Before or after an interview depending on what level of interview you are at (think initial vs. final round with a VP), ask your references to call or email that recruiter or hiring manager directly and advocate on your behalf. This can speak volumes to not only your credentials, but also your dedication. Ask your best references or highest-level reference to send a quick note or call acknowledging your work and why you would be an excellent asset. It shows the hiring manager or team you are serious about the role, and it helps provide additional points of reference to the hiring team about the validity of your credentials.

·????????This should go without saying, but thank your network. Helping others is not only good for the recipient and the right thing to do, but it also makes the giver happier and healthier. If someone takes the time to help you in your search or advocate on your behalf, please genuinely thank them. Also be willing to pay this forward when others ask you for help and support if you are in their network. Teamwork really does make the dream work, folks.?

Keeping with the football theme, we want you to realize that aggressive networking tactics can make the difference in securing your next role. Throwback to The Replacements and Gene Hackman as Jimmy McGinty. “Winners always want the ball when the game is on the line.” You have nothing to lose going chips all in when using your network and everything to gain when it comes to career success.?