Ditching Résumé Perfection: A Holistic Approach to Job Search Success

We've gotten to a place in the job search and online applications, with ATS and overloaded recruiters, where we've started to believe that if the résumé is "perfect," it will open every door. And that just isn't true.


The job market can be tough. It is for many people right now. At the same time, your résumé shouldn't have to be perfect.

Your résumé should be a concise representation of what you've done and what you can do for your next employer. What you bring to the table, related to the job you're applying for.

You don't need to list everything you've ever done.

You don't need to be pore over it for hours each time you apply to a different role.

I really believe this is where people start to feel the most stuck and frustrated in a job search.

If you're over-focusing on your résumé, and you've updated it and had a few friends or colleagues say it looks good, it may be time to look at the other aspects of your job search. Here are some questions to ask yourself (and to take a step away from your résumé, which may be a good idea).

✔ Have I let my network know that I'm looking and exactly what I'm looking for?
✔Have I asked for connections from my network and appropriately followed up?
✔ Am I following up with applications? Interviews?
✔ Am I seeking out connections to the orgs I'm applying to?
✔ Have I researched a few places where I'd like to work and reached out that way instead of applying online?

You can control only so much in the job search. If you're overly focused on your résumé, you may be missing other ways you can feel more control over the process.

And don't forget to take time away from the job search and connect with family and friends. You have a lot more value than just your job.

#jobsearch #careers #resumewriter