If you were looking to hire someone to clean your house or take care of your lawn, what would you do first?  Post an ad on Craigslist or ask your friends if they know anyone? What would mean more to you? A good looking resume, or a person who comes highly recommended by a trusted friend or adviser who has worked with them before?

Planning for my wedding this spring, I can honestly say that I found all of my vendors through personal referrals and recommendations. Our photographer shot my best friend’s wedding two years ago. Our caterer did a wonderful job at a family wedding last year. Our DJ grew up down the street from me. Sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? So why don’t people apply this same philosophy when they are looking for a new job?

As a recruiter, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a resume in our general inbox from a candidate I have recently interviewed. These people have already taken the time to fill out our online application and do a personal phone interview with me, yet they are introducing themselves to our general email inbox. These same people will also fill out our online application from scratch multiple times. They think that every time they see a job that looks like a good match they have to log in, create a new profile, and enter all of their information all over again. Why don’t they just pick up the phone and ask me about the position? Why aren’t they leveraging the connection they’ve already made with me and my company? If I’m the one hiring for this position, great! If not, I can personally introduce them to the hiring official and offer a recommendation.  “Here’s a guy I interviewed last week. I think he’d be a great fit because…”  How is that not better than emailing us a piece of paper?

When beginning a job search, many people’s first instinct is to run to a job board. Why is that? Do they think job boards are easier or more effective than networking, or are they just afraid to pick up the phone and ask?  It works both ways. As a job seeker, would you be more excited about an online job posting with a company you’ve never heard of, or an opportunity to join a company where your friends have already worked and have loved? 

Why are so many people starting from scratch when it comes to landing a better job opportunity? Why not piggy back off of the experiences of your friends and colleagues who have already tested the waters? Ask them where the best places to work are, and who you should talk to about getting your foot in the door. Put yourself in the hiring mangers’ shoes. Who would they rather bring in for an interview? A piece of paper in a stack of un-screened resumes on their desk, or someone who comes highly recommended by another manager, co-worker, or friend? 

Do yourself a favor. Leverage your relationships when looking to advance your career. Don’t just send your resume to a bunch of places or fill out a bunch of online applications. Make it personal. People don’t hire pieces of paper, they hire other people. We have all been hiring managers at one time or another, whether it be hiring network engineers for your company, or hiring a gardener to take care of your lawn. Don’t expect your resume to do all the talking. Look to your contacts, people who already know you, and who think highly of you and your work. If you’re interested in getting into a company, find a personal connection. Whether it be through their favorite recruiter, someone who already works there, or even someone who knows someone there; it has got to be better than just forwarding your resume. 

Do you agree? What have you found to be the most successful ways to find a new job, or identify the right employee?

Julie Pentis, Recruiter

About Julie Pentis, CPC – IT Recruiter

Julie has been with Aureus Group since 2006 after graduating from Creighton University with a BSBA in Human Resources and Spanish. In 2010 Julie received her MBA from Bellevue University.  As a technical recruiter for the Information Systems team, she is responsible for sourcing, qualifying, and matching candidates with job opportunities in the Kansas City area. In 2007 Julie earned the designation of Certified Personnel Consultant and she recently served as Vice President of Membership for a local Toastmaster’s group and Co-Chair for HRAM’s Workforce Readiness Committee. Julie enjoys kayaking with her fiance Jake, taking their dog Jack for walks, and singing in her church choir.