Amplify the “Me” in Resume
Over the years I have noticed that one of the greatest fears for women is being seen to brag. Dorothy Dalton, Founder of 3Plus International said in a recent webinar “It is true there is no “I” in team, but there is one in “hired” and also fired. There is also a “me” in resume.”
5 ways to amplify the “me” in resume
1. Build Your Network
People think of networking as external-facing and attending dull events in their sector or profession. But not all networking is about working the room in dull cocktail parties. You also need a strong internal network. Women frequently forget to build relationships within their organization including what Dorothy calls a Circle of Success.
It’s important to get to know colleagues at all levels, but especially to look for sponsors at a senior level. These are the people who talk about you when you are not in the room. Reach out to people saying that you would love to learn what they do and how/if you can be of any assistance. One benefit of the pandemic is people are more willing to stop for 15 minutes for a Zoom coffee to put names to faces. Don’t ask for five minutes of their time. We all know it’s more than that!
2. Raise your visibility
It’s important to get a name for yourself throughout your organisation and build your reputation. Step out of your comfort zone by asking for stretch assignments and perhaps volunteer for projects that look difficult, or no one else wants. This gives you the opportunity to turn them around. Write for your in-house publications, appear on podcasts, or endorse your organisation on LinkedIn. There are so many ways to do this and it takes very little time.
3. Shine a light on yourself
There is no point in developing great transferable skills and a list of success stories if no one knows that you have them. Don’t assume that people in your hierarchy will know what you have been working, on let alone understanding what you have accomplished. Schedule meetings with your boss regularly and keep them up to speed. Make sure you keep a record of your success stories (your success station) and transfer them to your LinkedIn profiles.
Learn how to identify your transferable skills – 3 Plus International
4. Show gratitude and recognition
Showing appreciation takes very little time and effort so do it regularly. A study from Deloitte “The practical magic of thank you” shares that 85% of employees appreciate a daily “thank you.” The Great Resignation has all about people feeling undervalued and underappreciated and no longer willing to accept what Dorothy calls “the no ass h*le” culture. You can also write LinkedIn recommendations or give Kudos. Perhaps post a photo with your colleagues highlighting their or a collective success. Selfies are the new polls on LinkedIn now!
5. Become a super connector
Everyone has great networks these days. Even entry-level have Insta followers and Facebook friends. If you are more senior you will have normally grown a decent network of useful connections. If you haven’t done so already, get onto it NOW! Super-connectors are the people who know how to help you and pretty much everyone else too. They quite often can’t do it personally, but they can go into their address books and say “Try so and so. Mention my name.”
Networking should be a daily habit, regardless of how busy your life is. Try our Daily LinkedIn routine for today’s super busy women.
Sometimes, these door-openers are not always senior. They might be a long-serving employee who knows the ropes. Develop a reputation as a person who can help and connect. Paying it forward will pay dividends multiple times over. Giving back is another form of networking. It’s not always about you.
Start putting the “Me” in Resume today!
Do you need help to raise your visibility? Boost your career progression with our Career Coaching Services.