Light-bulb moment, it finally clicked about job descriptions and relationships!

Anonymous

March 16,2022 at 12:47AM UTC

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Lightbulb moment, it finally clicked about job descriptions and relationships!

During a coffee meeting, I explored new opportunities with a former colleague. She said that it's now about connections rather than resumes.

I work in marketing and for years advocated about the importance of relationships and partnerships in business. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that using your connections is the key to opening doors. I've been so focused on my resume that while making connections, I realized that I'm not utilizing them.

This might sound self explanatory but the concept really shifted my mindset. I found out from my contact that although the position was 'new' on LinkedIn, it was already posted for three weeks internally. From discussing the job description, I realized that I didn't' want the position! It was OK but the real role wasn't what I envisioned.

As job searchers, we need to realize that the a title means different things per company. Going in with a preconceived notion is detrimental to our success.

Furthermore, those differences can contribute to why we're unsatisfied with a job after starting. It's not about what is listed but what they aren't saying that speaks volumes.

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Melissa Mellor, COOMarch 16,2022 at 4:14AM UTC
Such an amazing realization!! Congratulations
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 12:38AM UTC
Thank you, Melissa. I mistakenly thought it was about creating connections rather than utilizing existing contacts. That shift in thinking facilitating new opportunities after feeling like I hit a wall.
Melissa Mellor, COOMarch 17,2022 at 3:12AM UTC
Amazing when the lightbulb goes on!!
AnonymousMarch 16,2022 at 2:02PM UTC
Great advice! Thanks so much for sharing, and so glad you realized this!
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 12:35AM UTC
Thank you, Zoe! It was my aha moment and I can't believe it took me so long to realize.
RosemaryacMarch 16,2022 at 3:50PM UTC
Over my entire career, which is going on 30 years now, I've found and obtained the vast majority of the jobs I've had through professional connections and personal relationships, both accidentally and deliberately, and I work in the nonprofit field. In every case it's turned out to be a better match between my skills, knowledge, and what I can contribute and the employers' needs than if I had responded to a job ad..
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 12:34AM UTC
Thank you, Rosemary. I've spent so much time building the 'perfect' resume resume and it wasn't getting me the desired outcome. I've started reaching out to my existing rather than forging new connections it's been a better experience.
It's made me rethink the process. While I want to have the best version of my resume, the personal connection is what opens doors. Looking back, most of the jobs originated from a connection request. That didn't get me the job but provided behind-the-scenes information or helped escape the resume blackhole. Having this realization, revived my interest in job searching. Thank you for sharing your story!