Look just about anywhere and you’ll see we live in a vastly different world than the one our parents, sometimes even our siblings or friends grew up in. With so many ways to get noticed, it’s insane to think job searching still relies exclusively on “the old way.” Making calls, written correspondence and the all-mighty resume, supreme being and ruler of our professional world. It’s a basic fact: no two jobs are filled alike.
This can mean many things. Only a telephone interview, extensive in-field tests, are just some of the ways to qualify candidates. But we’re here to coach you on doing the (seemingly) impossible: finding a job without a resume.
Can it be done? Is it worth the time? How? First and foremost, it’s not for the impatient or faint of heart. Before we go any further, know now that finding a job without a resume is a mixture of hard work and extreme luck.
Network, Network, Network
You know that person who, in any professional gathering, sounds like he just mainlined a Red Bull straight to his heart and is dressed like he’s hosting the Oscars? The Professional Professional, The Triple N (Never Not Networking), call it what you want, it’s time to become one of those. Meeting people and making a lasting (positive) impression is key. Sharpen those people skills and figure out whatever device you need to quickly remember first names.
Craft a short speech about what you do. While most people would call this an “elevator speech,” it’s unnatural to vomit out your life story in 20 seconds. Let the conversation flow naturally and allow your speech to unfold. Always get some contact info and stick to events relevant to the industry you’re in. The better of a connection you can make, the more likely you are to get that “we had an opening pop up and I thought of you” call.
Enter the Spotlight
You know how it seems so easy for all of the Kanye Wests and Oprah Winfreys of the world to do what they want and have the consumers and companies chase them? That is what star power brings. These people hold value, and everyone else wants a piece of it. Build up your social network, start a blog, create a video channel, do whatever it takes to say “Hey world, look at me!”
The goal is to take the skills a resume would claim you have and show anyone who finds you that you are the end-all-be-all of your field. Take charge and make your own success story.
The Email Pitch
Without a doubt the tamest approach on this list, a good old fashioned cover letter inquiring about open positions is still a solid tactic for landing a job. If you’re asked for a resume, then the jig is up, but most employers will naturally follow up with a phone call, leading to a job interview and (hopefully) your first day.
Ultimately, how you get the job is up to you. While these certainly aren’t your only options of skipping the resume, they’re the most effective method short of earning a kidnapping charge in the process. Ready to start searching for a new job? Join Monikl today.
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