Because you might fret and sweat about updating your resume and making it perfect, start with something simpler – LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile…where have you been? It’s free – do it today! http://www.linkedin.com If you already have a profile – good for you! Now go update/refresh it.
This will be good practice before updating your resume. The description of each past job doesn’t have to have every accomplishment that you might include on a CV/resume, but it will give you a chance to briefly describe each job with a fresh, concise perspective. Start with your Headline. Mine says “Sales” in a couple of different ways to make me more easily searchable. (Experienced Sales | Sr. Acct Exec seeks a role selling technology/consumer packaged goods & services to retail channel.)
Your Summary and Specialties need to quickly highlight your best talents and the type of work experience you have …in case the reader doesn’t scroll down to you career path. And then, set aside your humility and ask a few of your closest contacts for Recommendations. You say you don’t have many connections. Oopsies! Then back up and go find colleagues, friends, former employers/employees – LinkedIn makes it easy to search by name, company, title, and/or city. When you email to ask for the recommendation, make it easy on your friend and jot down a couple of your strong points – ones you’d like them to call out. Assuming they have experienced that particular talent of yours, your notes will actually make it easier for them to quickly put together a helpful, accurate recommendation.
So you ask, “Why LinkedIn and not Plaxo or Naymz or others?” I say pick which ever business social network you’ve most often been invited to by your contacts. You’ll have a better chance of making connections with folks who use the service. And two last thoughts – since you’ve done the work of updating your profile:
- Go on Facebook (assuming you have an account) and update the Work section there (even briefer than LI)
- Post an Update on your LinkedIn page and Facebook page to let your contacts know you’re in-the-market for a new opportunity – be specific! (Sr Account Executive selling technology to the retail channel in Dallas) They can’t help if they don’t know.
Enjoy recapping your history – it’s meant to get you focused on the best fit for your next career move. Resumes and elevator pitches next!
My Daily Steps 