Resume Blasters: Go or No Go? Part II

Resume Blasters: Go or No Go? Part II Finally – Part II. 

This summer has been full of distractions, but I did want to finish this blog! 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 position follows.

The Number One reason to NOT use a resume blasting service is because it: Devalues Your Worth!! 

One of the ways resume blasters work is that the Recruiters spam HR offices with resumes, and often your resume is one of 20 or 30. Think about it: if candidates' resumes are sent to hundreds of firms and recruiters, how can yours stand out in that kind of crowd? Mostly, it won't. In fact, in all my years of recruiting (over 15), I deleted the emails from resume services of all types. I could not present candidates to my clients that had resume so easily accessible. If my clients could find the resumes on their own, or even online, they why would they pay my fees? As a recruiter, I provided my clients exclusivity, and found highly prized top talent they were willing to pay for. When I hired employees at a firm, I also hired recruiters to provide me with top-notch resumes. I certainly would not pay for a resume blasting service, believing that those candidates' resumes could also be found with a few minutes searching online. 

I know what you're saying: “there so much competition, I have to use every tool at my disposal” and generally, I agree, but I draw the line at the resume blasting services. Keep in mind that employers are looking for the best of the best, and one thing you need to consider in job searching is defining your worth. By having your resume so readily available, and not really being in control of who receives, can really devalue your worth – in any market! 

About the Author: Kristi Enigl is a Career & Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 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.