What Lights You Up?

4Build Your Toolbox

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

TO GET THE best results in your job search, you should have a well-stocked toolbox, which includes:

• Your authentic light
• Your story
• Your resume
• Your LinkedIn profile and professional brand
• Your network

We discussed how to identify your light in Chapter 2 and then how to develop your story in Chapter 3. In this chapter we discuss two primary concepts: first, how to create an effective resume, and second, how to utilize LinkedIn to boost your job search. Additionally, I will provide tips on how to overcome gaps in your resume if you are reentering the workforce after being out of work or taking a leave of absence. Your trusted network is the final tool in your toolbox. We discuss how to use your personal and professional network to connect with potential employers in some of the following chapters.

Let’s move on to the nuts and bolts of every job search.

Your Resume

It is an essential part of your job search to have a clear and concise resume because it is your first written impression for a potential employer and the ticket to getting an interview. It needs to be easy to read, and something that a hiring manager can glance at in an instant and decide whether they want to meet you or not.

Although it varies with the company and the job, on average 500 or more resumes are received for each corporate job opening. If you post your resume online on a major job site like Indeed or LinkedIn ...