Resume Blasters: Go or No Go?

I often hear from my clients that they are using a “resume blasting” service, you know, the ones that charge you a hefty fee then blast/post/email your resume to everyone in the world. And then I launch into my “anti” blaster rant! As an ex Hiring Manger and Executive Recruiter, I can tell you honestly that using a blasting service is not doing you any favors; in fact, you are hurting your chances of being found and thought of favorably. 

Okay, I never say ALL or NONE, so you may have some success with a blasting service. I tested the waters about 2 years ago, and I did get some email responses – from insurance companies, MLM organizations, and online colleges. I still get the occasional email that starts “your resume seems a good match for” and some crappy positions follows.

I am going to say resumes blasters are a NO GO. Here's why. 

1. Every resume must be “re-weighted” for every position. 

Now, I am not the first or only resume writer to state this. If you send out 100 resumes, you need to be sure they are 100 DIFFERENT resumes. Part of the psychology of getting an interview is looking like a “good fit” on paper – your resume in particular. If you are using a one size fits all resume, your resume will find its way to the recycle bin, FAST. 

Be sure to customize your resume for every job you apply to. That means, specifically, using the same language the firm uses in their job description. Wordsmith their requirements into your accomplishments. 

2. Recruiters and Hiring Managers are on to your lazy ways!

It is EASY to write one resume, upload it to a resume blaster service, and hit send. When I was recruiting, I could easily spot those resumes: they were addressed to "To Whom It May Concern”, yikes.... I could be found online in about 30 seconds. Resume services are impersonal.

The competition is far too fierce to trust a service to get your resume out for you. Candidates must be in total control of who has their resume. You need to know who has it so you can follow-up on it. The blaster services indiscriminately send resumes everywhere – even to your old firm! Imagine the embarrassment of applying to your old job through a resume service! Candidates - know where your resume going at all times.

NEXT WEEK: Part II - How resume blasting services can devalue your worth. 

Friends I like:

Your online profile gains credibility a with professional headshot.  Check out Jim Hughes at www.jchphoto.com.

About the Author: Kristi Enigl is a Career & Job Search Consultant who brings over 19 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their personal brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. She is a public speaker who regularly participates in career workshops and roundtables. For more information about Kristi, please visit her website at http://www.kristienigl.com or www.linkedin.com/in/kristienigl.