I’ve been told that I need to market myself better. I’ve been told I need to engage more on social media. I’ve been told that I need to highlight my profile to people.

I do better in real life, in person. That’s how it’s always been. I’m really not very good at putting myself out there in the digital world. Ask me to give a speech in front of a crowd, I won’t have a problem. But I’ve never been great at connecting with people, if it’s not face-to-face.

But of course, I know realize more and more that I need to make a change. I need to keep up with the times.

A couple of weeks ago, I reached out to headhunter. I’ve never done that before. But, I really want to make a job move and I don’t know where to start. I’ve been applying for jobs on LinkedIn, but I know a little bit about how the system works.

Headhunters will block you, unless you go through them for jobs. They will make every effort to push their own candidate forward to earn their commissions. That’s how it works in the job market where I live.

I’ve never applied for a job in my life. I’ve always switched jobs because someone has referred me or because someone directly reached out to hire me. But, I’ve been out of touch with people. And, I know it’s my own fault but, I haven’t been in the best headspace in the last couple of years.

So, anyway, the headhunter ghosted me. He asked me for my resume and then just disappeared. I’m guessing he didn’t like the fact that I’m a woman, brown-skinned and I’ve had a “jobless” period in between. Nevermind that I’m qualified and have a great track record. Nevermind that I’m quite good with people (in person!) and I’m a very hardworking person. Nevermind that I’d be great candidate for him to promote. 

I suppose it’s true, just a resume no longer works. You have to seem smart on LinkedIn and engage with people. Life is led online and unless you showcase your story there, you’re in for a rough ride.

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