5 Steps to Recession-Proof Your Resume
A huge part of keeping your resume recession-proof is constantly moving through the 5 steps we’ll work today. You’re always in one of these phases with your resume, whether you’re actively looking for a new position or not. And let me tell you, these steps work if you work them.
#1: Research and Development
First up, the R&D phase. This is the beginning of any resume refresh–something you should do twice a year at least! And this is where I’m currently at.
In this phase, you’re definitely employed, not hectically looking for a new position, but keeping your eyes and ears open just in case an impending recession (fingers crossed) deems your position redundant. It’s a “hope for the best; prepare for the worst” sort of situation.
Y’all know me, I’m always going to start by asking myself questions. And after I’ve answered these questions internally, I’ll start with basic online research.
Ask yourself (and Google):
What jobs are available?
What positions need people at multiple companies?
What skills do those positions require?
How many of those skills do I already have?
What skills do I need to practice, study or gain experience in?
Once you’ve answered these, it’s time to knuckle back down and get that experience to level yourself up to the next thing. Need to join another team internally? Need to volunteer for a new committee? Or maybe it’s time to take a refresher course or two.
Pick something, pick anything…but pick something relevant to what the market’s looking for. And there you go–that takes care of development.
#2: Networking
Ah Networking. If it’s not your favorite word then I feel you.
Let’s put it another way: Always be helping other people. I scratch your back, you scratch mine…quid pro quo…being nice…just being a human being who lives in a society. You can put it in a lot of ways other than “networking”.
The point is–this is also an ongoing step, not really a stopping point. You’re never not networking (pardon the double negative).
You should always be thinking about who can you help, what friends you have at other companies, and what you can offer through your own professional contacts.
For example, my friend Teri was looking to get into a management position in tech. I knew of a few spots open within a team at my job. So I draft up a quick warm email, pop a colleague of mine into the CC spot, and introduce her to the person who’s currently in that position. Then, I helped her know who to connect with on LinkedIn and sent her a copy of the job description. She was ready to tailor her resume to exactly what the position needed and ace the interview!
And when the time comes, whether she gets the position or not, she’ll be happy to put in a good word for me. Boom. Network worked.
#3: Inactively Looking
This is for folks who are daydreaming about leaving. You’re “slow quitting” as the internet loves to say these days.
It’s time to…
Scroll through LinkedIn
Renew your subscription for Indeed/Zip Recruiter etc.
Reach out to recruiters
Scan competitor’s websites for open positions
Email your old boss/colleagues/college professors
#4: Craft the Document
It’s time to turn to the document itself and shake off the dust. Keep these in mind when doing so.
CV vs. One-Pager. You’ll need a full copy that’s the rough draft for everything and includes literally everything you’ve ever done. Yes, even your Eagle Scout and college track scholarship. Plus, a one-page copy for every interview. More details are found here, but suffice it to say you’ll be sprucing off both editions.
Know your Stats. Articulate it in your resume. Did you close at 115% last quarter? How do your actual numbers stand up with projected numbers? If you’re knocking it out of the park, say so. Resumes that include numbers, data, and facts are an automatic draw for certain recruiters and HR folks. Catch their eye!
Key Words. The reason I got a call out of the blue from one of my dream companies isn't because I'm so amazing, even though I’d like to think so. It's because I'm accessible, searchable, and relevant. I’m easy to find and the keywords on my Linked In profile are specifically crafted for my audience.
#5: Application Active
Finally, you’re actively applying. You’re pulling out all those bookmarked jobs from step 3, and you’re submitting multiple carefully crafted versions of your resume stuffed full of keywords and stats. New job? Activate. It’s time for the job market to meet the new and improved you. Don’t you clean up nice?
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