When you are a job seeker, you never know when and where a potential lead will surface. That’s why it’s so important to treat every interaction as if your next opportunity could come from it. As a resume writer, I often have job seekers interact with me in a way that would make me far from inclined to introduce them to anyone or help them beyond the scope of our contract.
Yesterday, a potential resume client reached out to me, having received my name via a referral. She, like most job seekers, was eager to complete her resume and get on with her job search. She asked for a time today, which I had available, and we set our appointment. As a single mom and business owner with one week until school starts, my eight-year-old son is home with me, so to meet this client, I had to get care for my son. That’s not a big deal and I’m used to that, so I dropped him off and went to our designated meeting place.
However, as I pulled out my phone to text the client and let her know where I was sitting or see if she was there, I saw a text from her — canceling our appointment. What’s worse is that she canceled two minutes after we were supposed to meet, saying that the homework I’d sent her needed more attention before she felt confident to meet. Luckily, I hadn’t gotten comfortable, so I picked up my items and left to go retrieve my son. I did take a moment to text the client and let her know that I had found care for my son and arrived at the location, and also that I wouldn’t be available the following day as she requested.
As I was getting my son, the client texted to say she’d come over right away, but I let her know I’d already left. She then texted and left a message to say I hadn’t given her much time to arrive. She also asked when we could meet again. I suggested she work on her homework and let me know when she was ready since I’d already gotten my son.
Okay, in this client’s eyes, perhaps I am “just the resume writer.” But what if I were an employer? Would she be so eager for an interview and say she was ready that day only to cancel after the scheduled time? If she did, she certainly wouldn’t get a second chance and that job opportunity would pass her by.
The saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression is 100% true, and it is true in every interaction, not just the job interview. I have dozens of stories that mirror this one, where people have told me how much they hate their old bosses, admitted they really didn’t do much at positions other than show up, bailed on our appointment, and given me no reason to connect them with employers.
You see, as “just the resume writer,” I have connections with employers and recruiters across the country. I receive notice of positions not posted online. I can make a call or email and help job seekers get closer to that next opportunity. And I’m not the only one. Hairstylists, bartenders, real estate agents, business owners, and even the postal worker know a number of people; they can help make or break your career. Unfortunately, too many job seekers fail to look at those relationships in that way.
So if you’re a job seeker, remember that you are always “on.” You could be missing opportunities by not approaching every single interaction as if it’s a job interview.
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