Worst/Best Funnel Ever
If you reverse a funnel, you’ve completely removed the point of its existence. Picture this: you try to pour liquid into the wide end of a funnel, and it splashes everywhere—definitely not going to work! A funnel’s whole purpose is to focus everything down into a specific spot to make sure it ends up where it belongs. So why am I talking about funnels? Because when it comes to your resume, using the right "funnel approach" can make all the difference.
If you tailor your resume with the “reverse funnel approach,” you’re making things way more complicated for yourself. You’ll start by adding general skills, certifications, and qualifications without thinking about how they fit the specific job. It's like trying to pour water into the wrong end of the funnel—it just won't flow right. But if you do it the correct way, focusing on the specific needs of the job you're applying for, you’ll have a much better shot at catching the attention of hiring managers.
Yes, you must use a resume that is specifc to the job you are applying for. [start grampa voice] In the good old days... compines did not need fancy coustom tailored resumes that match the job. The hireing manager would look at the 3-4 job applitions and pick the best person. ... and that worked beacuse it was real.[end grampa voice]
Start with Skills That Match the Job
Ok, go…. Your resume has about 6-8 seconds of the hiring manager’s attention, what do you start with? A touching story from your childhood? OR a list of skills that is exactly what the hiring manger is looking for?
The trick is to start with the job description and work backwards. Look at the specific skills and qualifications they’re asking for, and match those to your own experience. For example, if they’re asking for certain certifications or specialized knowledge, make sure you highlight those front and center in your resume. You don’t need to include every skill you’ve ever picked up over the years; you want to focus on the ones that directly relate to the job. This will make your resume much more targeted and relevant to the employer.
You can do this by closely examining the keywords in the job posting. Look for specific skills, qualifications, and experiences they mention, especially those that come up more than once. If they don’t have a clear list of requirements, pay attention to repeated terms or phrases that indicate what the company values. These keywords are your roadmap. Must-have skills and preferred qualifications are your primary targets—think of them as the narrow end of the funnel where everything comes together.
Similar Jobs Can Build Your Experience
If you’ve already got the qualifications but haven’t landed the job yet, don’t give up! Sometimes, the direct route to your dream job isn't the one that will get you there. Look for jobs that are similar but not identical. If you can’t break into your preferred position right away, consider going for a role that’s in the same industry or company. Sometimes, getting a foot in the door at a company, even in a slightly different role, can give you the leverage you need to move into your ideal position later.
Or, try another company that offers hands-on experience that’s closely related to what you want to do. This gives you practical knowledge that you can later bring back when you reapply for your dream job.
A Real-Life Example of Persistence
Let me tell you about someone I know who had a dream job but didn’t get hired the first time he applied. He was missing some key skills and certifications, and to make things harder, tons of people were applying for the same position. Despite the setback, he didn’t give up. He took a nearby job that gave him similar experience and worked on getting the necessary certifications in his spare time. Fast forward a few years: when he reapplied, he had the hands-on experience and qualifications that made him stand out. This time, he got the job.
The lesson here? Sometimes getting the job you want takes time. In the meantime, take advantage of opportunities that will build your skill set and make you more competitive. Employers value real-world experience, often even more than fancy certifications. That’s not to say certificates aren’t important, but showing you’ve been out there doing the work can tip the scales in your favor.
Always Be Advancing
Whether or not you’re currently working, always look for ways to improve your knowledge and experience. Employers want to know you’re proactive and that you’ve been using your time wisely. If there’s a gap on your resume, be ready to explain how you’ve been leveling up. Did you take online courses? Volunteer for projects? Learn new software or refine your existing skills? These are things that can set you apart from other candidates who may not have been as productive during their job-free time.
Even if you’re applying for a role that’s similar to one you’ve held before, employers might still ask about what you’ve been doing to stay relevant. Be prepared to show how you’ve used that time to become an expert in what they need, or how you’ve gained additional skills that make you stand out from the crowd.
Stay Positive and Know Your Worth
While it’s crucial to keep improving yourself, never let the process make you feel desperate or undervalued. Don’t settle for a job where you know you’ll be unhappy, just for the sake of being employed. Your value is so much more than the money you make or the title you hold. You’re a whole, multifaceted person with unique skills and experiences, and that’s worth remembering.
This job search may be challenging, but keep your head up and stay focused on what you can offer. Each step you take—whether it’s gaining more experience, acquiring new skills, or just refining your resume—brings you closer to your goal. You’ve got what it takes to land the job you want, so don’t let the process wear you down.
Keep Pushing Forward
Always keep looking forward to what you can offer, but also don’t let yourself become desperate and find somewhere where you’ll be unhappy and undervalued. Don’t forget your value is way more than the money you make (or made), or the title you hold (or held). You are a whole human being who needs to go out there and kick some butt!
Go kick names and take butt!! Wait, no…
Either way, adios,
Aloha Alex