"It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark." Howard Ruff

This past Wednesday on The Career Divas Radio Show, we were talking about "Keeping Your Career Mojo throughout 2010."

At one point in the show, the topic came up regarding how job seekers, and even professionals who are not currently in the job market, should be prepared at all times with an up-to-date resume and cover letter.

I used the quote above during the show to provide a vivid analogy that most everyone can relate to, as there was a very positive outcome from Noah building the Ark BEFORE the rains descended upon the Earth.

Personally, I believe that having an updated resume, whether you are currently looking for a job or not, is one of the soundest pieces of advice given during our show.  And, I don't state that just because I am a professional resume writer!

Allow me to share a personal story.

Back when I was working in corporate America, there was a supervisor opening in the department where I worked.

I wanted that promotion. I had worked hard, developed and / or changed many processes and procedures to increase efficiency, always said "yes" to any extra project that needed to be done, received excellent performance evaluations, had managed people at a previous company, and knew my job and the department "inside-out."

So, I submitted my resume for consideration. I prepared for my interview and it went really well. However, I wasn't selected for the position. They gave the job to a person that wasn't even in my department and did not have half the qualifications that I did!

To say that I was stunned is an understatement. I went to my boss to ask him why I had not received the promotion. His answer?

"Kathy, you were very qualified for the position. However, when you submitted your resume, you didn't even take the time to update it with the position you currently hold. That tells me you really didn't take applying for this position seriously."

At first I was mad. I mean, really, he knew what contributions I had made, that I was a great worker, and constantly sacrificed my personal life for the department. How could he give the promotion to someone who had never even worked in our department and make her my supervisor?

After I calmed down, I began to let what he had said sink in. You know, he was right! I hadn't shown him that I was "ready" to lead others because I didn't take the time to "prepare" for that leadership position.

So, why do I share this story? There are two reasons.

First, like I did several years ago, many people assume that their internal superiors know what contributions they have made and the successes that came as a result of their efforts. So, they feel like they don't really need a "stellar" presentation of their achievements on paper when the time comes to apply for a promotion.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Managers are busy with the latest crisis, and they usually don't remember what you did yesterday (unless it was bad), let alone what accomplishments you achieved during the last year or throughout your career. You need to be proactive and have your resume ready, showcasing your skills and achievements in an attractive format in case a fantastic opportunity is presented.

Second, what happens if you are suddenly downsized or a recruiter calls you and says they have a great position available? Either way, you are now "behind the eight ball" if your resume isn't up-to-date.

When either of these situations happens, the individual now has to "scramble" to get his / her resume together under a tight deadline. It becomes an almost impossible or overwhelming task for the individual because stress takes over and makes it difficult to think clearly about specifics for each job.

So, be like Noah, and start building your "ark" before the rain starts falling so you'll be prepared before the "flood" strikes in your life.

Whether you write your resume or hire a professional resume writer to compose one for you, set a date for completion and stick to it. I promise that you’ll feel more in control and you’ll look like a professional who is always ready for any situation that may arise.

7 Responses to “It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark!”