Networking and Your Resume: How to Get Your Foot in the Door

A beautiful resume created using a resume template and resume builder is a great way to draw attention to yourself and your skills. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door at your dream company. Another way to get your foot in the door is through networking events.

1. Why Networking Provides Such Great Opportunities

Networking events allow you the opportunity to meet people who work at companies you’re interested in, or who work in the industry you’re trying to break into. In fact, recent studies have shown that nearly 80% of jobs are filled via networking and networking events. The people you meet will be able to shed light on the pros and cons of the industry. You may find that your dream job isn’t that dreamy at all, but that another job within the same industry might fit your needs and personality much better. Better yet, the relationships formed at these events (and through communication after the event) can help you find new ways to introduce yourself and your resume to the people who could hire you for your dream job. Instead of constantly sending out resumes and cover letters to unknown entities, you’ll be able to contact people you know, or people who are connected to your new networking connections. Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door and can make your job search so much easier.

2. The Best Way to Get Your Resume into the Hands of Your Contacts

It may be tempting to offer your resume right away when you meet a new contact in your industry of choice. However, this is not considered networking – it’s considered asking for a job, and that is not the purpose of a networking event. When you attend this type of event, focus on meeting new people, building relationships, helping others, and creating credibility. This isn’t to say, though, that you shouldn’t have copies of your resume with you. After all, you never know how one of these events will go. You may hit it off really well with some of your contacts. In which case, they may ask for your resume. The main focus of the event for you should be to get information and referrals. So, if you end the evening without giving anyone a resume, but you have a handful of referrals – it’s been a success! These referrals will give you direction when you continue on with your job search the next day. You’ll have a better idea of who to approach and where to send your resume and cover letter.

3. Utilize a Resume Builder to Create the Ideal Resume

Before you even attend a networking event, make sure you have a resume that wows! An online resume creator provides you with resume templates and resume examples that will help you to create a resume that shows off your skills, personality, and experience. Together, a fantastic resume and network connections can help you get your foot in the door to land your dream job.