“Why Don’t You Just Walk In With Your Resume?” — The Boomers’ Job Search Advice You Hate Is Actually Not Horrible

“Why don’t you just walk in with your resume?” Umm, where should we even begin with this?

Of course this piece of advice will make frustrated job seekers everywhere roll their eyes. And we get it. It’s outdated and not applicable to today’s job-seeking landscape. But, there is still something to learn from it.

You see, the underlying principles of this advice, like personal connection, initiative, and direct engagement are still relevant.

In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to:

• Make personal connections to get job opportunities you wouldn’t have a shot at otherwise
• Communicate with relevant people directly instead of passively applying for a role
• Get a referral and increase your chances of landing a job
• Network for hidden job opportunities in 2024

Don’t waste days compiling overused interview techniques. Get original answers to every single question you could expect.

Get ready for your interview

Job Hunting: Then vs. Now

The job search process looks nothing like it did 20 years ago.

Before everything went online, job searching heavily leaned into personal networks, word of mouth, and community connections. People used to look for jobs in newspapers, employment agencies, through connections, or simply by cold calling or walking in with their resumes.

And it worked.

But nowadays, people use job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder, social media like LinkedIn, or other platforms like Upwork.

This made the process easier on the one hand because people can now apply for dozens of jobs in a matter of minutes, from the coziness of their pajamas.

On the other hand, it made the job search more frustrating. Recruiters are swamped with job applications, and not all of them are relevant or personalized.

To narrow down the candidate pools, hiring companies started using applicant tracking software (ATS) — these bots filter out resumes based on keywords and certain criteria, before actual humans look at them.

This causes quite a few problems for you:

• The process is impersonal and devoid of human interaction.
• It’s also overly long, and you end up waiting for weeks for someone to get back to you. You might never get a response and feel like you threw your resume into a black hole.
• You might be a candidate with great potential and background, but you simply didn’t use the right keywords to pass the ATS.

And if you’re one of these candidates who get ignored and continuously frustrated, no wonder you lose it when someone older asks why you don’t just walk in with your resume. Still, there are a few nuggets of wisdom in this tip that will help you. Keep reading as we break them down.

But before that, here’s a short comic relief video about this infamous piece of advice:

@scottseiss

“Just hand them your resume” Come see me in Los Angeles Tuesday 8/27 at the Hollywood Improv! Link in bio for tickets and book preorders 😁 #comedy #work #booktok #books #job #standup

♬ original sound – Scott Seiss

Why “Just Drop By” Isn’t as Cringe as You Think (Or Is It?)

It’s totally understandable why walking in with your resume might be a waste of time or even an issue.

I went to Reddit to see what people think about this advice. Here’s a comment from one of the users:

“Our recruiting department has an internal policy that if anyone just walks into a facility and hands the receptionist their resume, their information will be entered into what is basically a “cannot follow instructions, do not hire” list and then their resume is circular filed. Harsh? Yes. But apparently necessary these days, given the number of applicants they get daily. Anyone that can’t be bothered to follow instructions for applying isn’t someone they’d ever hire anyway.”

It’s enough to cause a scene and make you look like a weirdo.

How do you walk past the security guard? How do you explain to them you’re here to drop off your resume, when the application is supposed to happen online? How do you know who to look for, and how do you know if you’re interrupting their meeting or their day by requesting to speak to them and give them your resume?

But as we already said, the reason boomers believe in this piece of advice is because it creates a sense of personal connection and shows your drive. That’s totally valid – and it can be achieved without ambushing people.

Here’s how.

Remixing the Oldschool Tip for Today

Here’s what you can draw from this now-infamous piece of advice and use in your job search.

Make Friends in High Places

The best and easiest way to land new jobs is through personal connections. Here’s why:

• Exclusive access to information. Personal connections can give you insider info about upcoming job ads before publication. Some companies even prefer not to open an official ad, but rely on referrals to get applicants.

• Referrals. Having someone from the company refer you can boost your chances of landing a job. 

• Increased trust. Companies are more likely to trust you if you’re recommended by their employees.

• Better understanding of the company culture. Your connections can give you a bunch of unique insights into a company and help you understand the culture better. This can in turn help you figure out if you’d fit there, and help you position yourself as a suitable candidate. 

• Bypassing ATS. Referrals will help your resume land in the hands of recruiters and hiring managers, instead of leaving them at the mercy of ATS.

If you want to know more, here’s how to use connections to find a job:

Below are some steps you can take to work on and expand your personal connections.

Attend industry events

Industry events are not only a great way to learn something new about your industry and field of work, but they also provide a really cool opportunity to meet new people. You can exchange ideas, learn from them, and keep in touch for potential collaborations or referrals.

And the idea you might have about networking at industry events might be nothing like the reality. It doesn’t have to be overly formal or corporate. For example, some of your best connections might be made after a few drinks after a conference, with zero work talk.

The key is creating real, human relationships.

Now, here are some ideas if you’re struggling to find the right events for you:

Marketing

• Content Marketing World
• Inbound

HR (Human Resources)

• SHRM Annual Conference & Expo (Society for Human Resource Management)
• HR Technology Conference & Exposition

Graphic Design

• Adobe MAX
• AIGA Design Conference

Software Development

• GitHub Universe
• PyCon (for Python developers)

Economy

• AEA Annual Meeting (American Economic Association)
• ASSA Meetings (Allied Social Science Associations)

Law

• ABA Annual Meeting (American Bar Association)
• Legalweek

Keep in touch with former colleagues

My first company was full of amazing people who made a really strong team. I’m still in contact with the majority of them, and a lot of them still work together because they referred one another at their subsequent companies.

So a coworker who’s well aware of both your technical and soft skills will make a strong referral. That’s why it’s important to nurture relationships while you’re still coworkers. It will extend to a strong relationship even when you don’t work together anymore, and they’ll be more than happy to refer you — and you should do the same for them, if there’s an opportunity.

Use social media

Social media, like Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and especially LinkedIn are a great way to stay in contact with existing connections and make new ones. You can share your journey, mistakes and lessons learned, ideas and insights, or useful resources. Over time, you’ll build nice relationships and you never know — perhaps some of them will lead to a recommendation or a referral.

Here are a few ideas on how to network using LinkedIn:

And if you need help setting up your profile, our LinkedIn expert Cristina created this guide for you: 15+ LinkedIn Tips for Optimizing Your Profile in 2024.

Slide Into Their DMs (Professionally)

Sending your resume through job ads and automated job boards? Not great, you’ll just blend in. Instead, hit up hiring managers or department heads directly. This way, you stand out, show you’re serious, and can tailor your application to fit the job requirements and the company vibe.

Here’s how to do it.

Identify hiring managers or department heads

Use LinkedIn to find the right people from the company. Look for titles like Hiring Manager, Head of HR, Team Lead, or similar.

Sometimes, company websites list key employees, so you can check it out – pay special attention to the “About Us” or “Careers” section, as you might get relevant information there.

Craft a personalized email

There are no second chances to make a first impression.

So the email you’re approaching these people with needs to be meaningful, concise, and personalized.

Address the recipient by their name and mention something specific about their company or the department that caught your eye. It’ll show you did your homework. Then explain your interest in the role, and how your skills and experience make you the right fit. If possible, give a specific idea of how you could contribute to the company’s success.

Keep your email brief, and ensure it conveys your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Don’t forget to attach your resume and cover letter.

Here’s a template:

Get the Hook-Up from Friends

We’re talking referrals, what did you think?

Referrals are your golden ticket in the job search process.

To be honest, I know a lot of people who struggle with building relationships and asking for referrals. I get it. If you’re not a social butterfly, it can be hard to be open to new connections in the professional world — let alone ask them for a favor like a referral.

But the truth is, referred candidates go through the hiring process faster, have higher chances of landing a job offer, and are more likely to be satisfied in the role.

So it’s safe to say it’s worth coming out of your comfort zone. Here are some ideas on how to get referrals.

Ask contacts for introductions

Reach out to your network. This can be friends, family, former colleagues, or professional connections who have connections in your target company.

Of course, if you’re asking for a referral, they have to know you’re serious and dedicated – so make sure you communicate why you’re interested in the company and how you can contribute. This will make it easier for them to advocate for you.

Offer reciprocal help

Needless to say, offer help and support in return. This can be helping them with a project, sharing industry insights, or offering introductions to your network — including referring them when the time comes.

Explain what’s in it for them

This doesn’t mean thoroughly explaining what’s in it for them and overselling it. That could easily backfire.

Instead, you can casually mention that a referral could benefit both of you. Something along these lines: “I’m not sure if your company has a referral bonus, but it could be a win-win in this situation.”

Plus, you can share a few ideas on how you could contribute to the company – this way they’ll know you’re serious and responsible and the role would be filled by a top-notch candidate. Wink.

Networking for “Hidden” Opportunities

Tons of awesome jobs never hit public job boards — they’re in the “hidden” job market, accessible mainly through networking. These gigs usually offer better teams, higher salaries, and sweet benefits.

Plus, you’re not competing with a thousand other applicants. Companies here are picky, so if you get in, you know you’re valued. Networking can land you these exclusive roles where only the best folk get the best perks.

Here’s how you can navigate this market and find these hidden gems.

Join professional associations

Being in professional associations relevant to your industry can help you connect with a network of peers and leaders. Why is this super convenient for you? Because these people are often the first to know about job openings within their companies. These associations often have exclusive job boards or email lists for members, so if you’re not a member yet, dig around.

Participate in webinars and industry conferences

This will keep you in the loop, boost your knowledge, and put you in the space with industry professionals. To stand out, you can use the Q&A sessions to ask questions and engage with others, or you can follow up with participants afterwards. This can help you create connections and unlock the jobs in the hidden market.

Volunteer in related fields

This will help you develop your skills and expose you to professionals who might be looking for someone with your skills. It’s also a great way to show your commitment and passion, plus it looks ahhh-mazing on a resume.

The ideas we covered will not only increase your chances of finding a job that matches your skills, but will also help you build a robust professional network that can support your career growth in the long run. So be smart and open and play it right.

Smarter Ways to Job Hunt

Now, here are a few additional strategies that will help you become better at interviewing. Using them during your job search process will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing a job.

Do your research

I can’t stress this enough: research the company.

Look for information about its mission, vision and values, history, recent news and initiatives, and reputation.

You can do this by checking out their website, social media, LinkedIn page, Glassdoor page, Reddit and Quora or other relevant forums, or simply by googling the company.

Gathering as much information as you can will help you decrease anxiety and feel better prepared. You’ll know who you’re speaking to, what to expect, whether or not the company is a good fit for you, and how easy it would be for you to fit in.

Plus, having all this background information will make it easier for you to come up with insightful, interesting questions you can ask at the end of the interview.

Customize your application

Every job needs a tailored resume and cover letter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should fake it — just highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

Worried it’ll take forever? It won’t. Most of your resume stays the same – just tweak the Work Experience and Skills sections to emphasize what matters the most for this next job. It’s a quick, 10-minute job that makes a huge difference.

For example, if you’re moving from a Marketing Intern to a Content Writer, spotlight your blog writing and social media posts, emphasizing skills like writing, creativity, and attention to detail. Now, if, with that same Marketing Intern experience, you’re now eyeing a Media Buyer role, focus on negotiation, analytical thinking, data analysis, and budget management.

See? You’re not lying, just showcasing what’s relevant for each job.

Follow up after communication

It’s really important that you know interviewing etiquette and how to follow up after applying for a position or after completing an interview.

If you applied for a position and you don’t hear back from the company within the agreed timeframe, you can shoot them another email to politely follow up and ask about the status of your application.

And after each interview round, it’s key to send a thank you email to each person you spoke to. In that email, you need to re-state enthusiasm about the position, personalize by bringing up something you talked about in the interview, and potentially offer additional materials or resources.

It won’t take up much of your time, I promise.

Here’s when to follow up after an interview:

And here’s a detailed guide on all types of follow-up emails, as well as tips on how to create them and sample emails you can use: How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview: 6 Templates.

Summary of the Main Points

• In today’s job-seeking landscape where everything takes place online, it makes no sense to just walk in with your resume.
• However, that piece of advice relies on personal connections, direct communication, and initiative, all of which are extremely important today.
• So even though I don’t recommend walking into a building and handing someone your resume, I do encourage you to rely on networking and making connections.
• To expand your network, attend industry events and professional associations, participate in webinars and seminars, volunteer in your fields of interest, and be active on socials, especially LinkedIn.
• The connections you make this way can refer you and allow you access to hidden job opportunities.
• Referred or not, when preparing for an interview, research the company and the interviewer, customize your resume and cover letter for each position, and follow up after an interview.

FAQ

What if the hiring manager I speak with tells me to use the automated job board anyway?

Make sure you comply. And even though they asked you to do this, there are still two ways to stand out with your application. First, tailor your resume to the job ad and make sure you highlight relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate you’re a good fit (don’t forget the keywords, as you need them to pass the ATS). Then, follow up with the hiring manager by sending a personalized follow-up email that shows your enthusiasm for the role, ways in which you can contribute, and your offer to send them additional materials they might need, like your portfolio and similar. This will show that you respect the company’s process, but it’ll still emphasize your enthusiasm and proactive nature.

Do hiring managers get mad at candidates contacting them directly?

Everyone’s different, so their reactions may vary. But a respectful, short, personalized, and well-timed outreach is usually viewed as a positive sign because it shows your resourcefulness and proactivity. Before contacting, make sure to research the company and the person so that you can properly tailor the message. However, if a job ad explicitly says direct contact is discouraged, then it’s best to respect that and stick to the standard application process. In that case, your resume is your main weapon so you need to make sure it’s spotless.

What’s a good template for a LinkedIn message to a hiring manager?

I’d advise you not to use templates word for word. They’re often lazy and easy to replicate and you can be sure there’s a bunch of other people sending more or less the same messages. To really stand out, just approach them in a human, friendly way. Personalize it a bit, bring up a specific, meaningful reason why you’re interested, and include all the relevant details they might need, like your email or phone number.

Are there any jobs where actually, physically walking in with your resume might be a good idea?

Yes, there are several scenarios where it’s ok to walk in with your resume — and it might even be advantageous. For example, for positions in retail stores, restaurants, hotels, bars, or cafes, showing up in person can demonstrate your personality and enthusiasm. It can also be ok with small local business, especially if they’re not operating online. It can also be ok for creative and artistic positions, like in galleries, studios, or creative small businesses. Finally, certain startups might value the boldness and directness of an in-person approach, especially if they’re in the early stages. It can set you apart as someone who takes initiative, and they love that.