Maybe It's Not Your Resume, It's You

I receive a ton of emails asking me to review resumes for nonprofit jobseekers. I never do it. Why? Two reasons: 1) because there is already a ton of free information out there to help you craft a winning resume (use it!) and 2) because your resume is only part of the equation. Usually, when someone complains about their resume not "working" for them in their job search, what they usually mean is one of two things: 1) no one is calling them for interviews at all or 2) no one is calling them back for second interviews. Take this email I received recently from an anxious jobseeker:

I've been reading your articles and they are very informative.  A lot of your information I have applied to my job search. Unfortunately, it has not worked in my favor.  I am a 2008 graduate.  A lot of my experience has been volunteer management, event planning, and community relations, and I am looking for a position that will combine all interest.  However, I have not been successful.  Do you have any advice?  If it possible that I can email you my resume and get your feedback?  Any information would be most valued.

The first thing I thought after getting this message in my inbox was, maybe it's not your resume, it's you. Now I don't know the person who wrote me this email from Adam. But I felt it was important to point out that in many cases, your resume may not be your only barrier in finding a job.

Are you applying for the right jobs?
You're more likely to get called for an interview if your previous experience or education matches the job you're applying for. Most of job searching is about perception. Your task is to help your potential employer perceive you as someone who is perfect for the job, which is difficult if you have no skills or experience whatsoever that are relevant to the job opening. There are, however, some ways to make yourself look as if you've been "in the field" if you want to branch out into a new direction. I suggest you join the most respected professional association for that particular job area. Also think about volunteering for some of your local nonprofit organizations that deal with the causes you want to work on.

Is your reputation holding you back?
Were you fired from a previous nonprofit job? Did your former boss complain about you showing up late for work, taking long lunch breaks and arguing with your co-workers? If there has been any controversy surrounding your nonprofit career, word gets around. If the organization you're applying for happens to know the folks at your previous job, they WILL call them to get the skinny on you - even if your former employer is not on your reference list. In the search firm world, this is called "going off list" and is a totally legit way for your potential employers to obtain information about you. I have received stellar resumes in the past for open positions, but when I checked their references, their whole persona fell apart. Seemingly competent people ended up being perceived as troublemakers in their former positions. be vigilant in monitoring your reputation in the nonprofit field. Never leave your job on bad terms and never burn your bridges. You will definitely need them in the future!

Did you bomb your first interview?
Again, let me remind you that although your resume can get your foot in the door, the rest of the process is about how well you perform in the interview and how you are perceived. If you land an interview, don't take it for granted that you've got a good chance at getting the job. Make sure you practice your responses to every possible interview question so you're not caught off guard. Your mouth could blow it for you if you complain about your previous employer or roll up in there smacking your gum. And please don't ask about salary or benefits during a first interview. That's like talking about marriage on the first date. The hiring manager's thinking, "Whoa, not so fast. Let's see if we even want to hire you first, then we can start talking compensation." Here are more tips to help you figure out why your interview did not go well.