A Resume for Employers or a Record for You?

Most of us see our resume or CV as a single-purpose document that details our employment and professional accomplishments. We use it to list our work experiences, our academic degrees and publications, and our occasional public presentation and service on special committees. Moreover, our only reason for doing so is to impress employers enough to open the door to an interview. In short, we think a resume is simply a tool for a job search.

Unfortunately, this focus on an external audience and a single role often lulls us into thinking that we need not keep our documentation up-to-date. Since we need it only when we're in transition and communicating with prospective employers, we can ignore it until such moments arrive. And, that's a mistake. The recitation of our history in the workplace is even more useful as a tool for career self-management.

For that reason, the Career Fitness System envisions a comprehensive and current work record as the key document in our career. This record has two roles, both of which are internally focused. They are:

• To serve as a virtual trophy case, a place where we can spotlight and celebrate our accomplishments. The record enables us to avoid the unreliable counsel and recognition of our supervisors by supplementing it with our own celebration of what we have done.

• To provide a means of self-evaluation and coaching. By using the record to review our own performance on a regular basis, we can determine what we are doing well and where we need to improve in order to continue our professional advancement.

Granted, this much more proactive use of our career record requires both self-discipline and self-insight. We have to be candid and honest with ourselves about what we have done well and what we should work on to improve. That can be a challenge, to be sure, but the reviews are personal and private, so there's no reason to be anything other than straightforward with ourselves.

It is true, of course, that we may, from time-to-time, lack the knowledge to understand or remediate a specific problem. Unlike with traditional performance appraisals, however, we don't have to rely on (or be subjected to) our supervisor for the assistance we need. We can select the individual or group that we want to help us. And no less important, the more genuine self-awareness provided by such a process ensures that we can accurately describe the issue that is troubling us.

Finally, by keeping our record up-to-date, we have all of the information we need to compose a powerful resume quickly. As a result, we can launch off on a job search without delay if we suddenly find ourselves in transition or we can tailor our resume more effectively if we find a new opportunity for which we would like to compete. And, in an era fraught with uncertainty and continuous change, such preparation is a key component of career success.

Thanks for reading,
Peter

The Unexamined Career…

The great thing about the Career Work-in and the various exercises it takes you through, is the thorough examination of one's career you end up with. Taking time to pause and become reflective about one's career prospects, goals, and direction is not something many feel they have the luxury to do. However, as Peter asks throughout Work Strong, do we really have the luxury NOT to take this time out and put in the effort to carefully examine our careers? 

For those seeking employment, whether currently employed or unemployed, the time it takes to work through the exercises in Work Strong should be seen as an investment in a healthier career. Taking time to be self-reflective about our careers means we will be more aware of our personality, interests, needs, and achievements.

Our personalities are fluid and change as we age and gain wisdom. It is unlikely you have the exact same personality you had when you first entered the job you currently hold. In fact, it might be that change in personality that has you wanting to move on.

As time moves along, we seek out new interests, or sometimes, new interests find us. I was not always interested in Social Media. However, about ten years ago I found forums, and soon after that weblogs, as great outlets for connecting with people about various interests. This desire to use new media to connect with others led me to a new interest and a career in Social Media.

How often have your job searches or the job searches of friends been spurred on by changing needs? Getting married? Divorced? New addition to the family, or are the kids finally moved out? All are events that change our needs and thusly, our careers may or may not need to change to meet those needs.

One thing I find very useful about reflecting upon my careers is discovering different achievements I have made. Often things go by as just routine parts of the job and are not necessarily marked with pomp and circumstance. Rediscovering these achievements will help you explain what you have to offer to your next employer and might even open up some forgotten doors.

I encourage job seekers and those considering a career change to stop and examine your career. Work Strong has many valuable exercises to help guide you along the process. You might be surprised by what you find.