When was the last time you applied for a job? Odds are good that you weren’t part of a small group that applied for that position. In fact, based on the experience I’ve had at Orange Thread, whenever we release a job we get hundreds of applicants. The number one goal you have a someone who applies for any position is to standout, in the best way possible. Breadcrumbs are the best way.
[bctt tweet=”The number one goal you have a someone who applies for any position is to standout, in the best way possible.”]
But how do you stand out? I mean most companies ask only for a resume and cover letter.
Free hint: And even if they don’t ask for a cover letter, make sure to send a one-page, really good cover letter.
A cover letter allows you to share about your successes and make your resume personal to the position at hand. What if you could stand out in an interview process without a resume and cover letter? You can… it’s called breadcrumbs. If you have the right breadcrumbs that follow you, then you’ll easily have an advantage in any interview situation.
[bctt tweet=”What if you could stand out in an interview without a resume & cover letter? It’s called breadcrumbs.”]
I first was exposed to this idea from the brilliance of Seth Godin when he shared that breadcrumbs are the little bits of success you leave behind. And the right breadcrumbs can’t be missed.
What if you were able to get to a place where you’re breadcrumbs were louder than your resume and cover letter? So what are breadcrumbs?
Every time you work on something, your next job is on the line. It’s called Breadcrumbs. You’re success or failures of your previous project, leadership opportunity or investment has left a trail. It’s like a mouse that grabs a cookie and leaves bits and pieces along the way as they drag it across the floor back to their home. Because when you drag something, it leaves behind bits and pieces and the same is true with organization life; success leaves a trail.
[bctt tweet=”Every time you work on something, your next job is on the line. It’s called Breadcrumbs.”]
So when you’re working with that team at work and you get to lead with conviction, passion, innovation and in a way that includes everyone, you don’t realize the impact you’re making. One of those members who worked with you ends up leaving, and now they can become an advocate for you when you leave.
You work for someone who is asked to speak at a conference and something you do impressed them so much they shared it in their keynote address… breadcrumbs.
You are part of a non-profit and the board members and you deal with a situation in a really amazing way… breadcrumbs.
You launch a product. Write a book. Start a blog. Build something amazing. All breadcrumbs.
The people you work with, the people who work for you. Breadcrumbs. They’re all little traces of the legacy, impact and influence you’ve built and left behind.
[bctt tweet=”Breadcrumbs are the little traces of the legacy, impact & influence you’ve left behind.”]
So when you get into that interview with the position that fits you better than ever before… make sure you let your breadcrumbs speak for themselves. They’re the little pieces of you that are most accurate, most true and if there’s any chance a breadcrumb has made it’s way before your future employer, you’re already ahead of everyone else.
People trust friends and recommendations more than any other thing when trying to hire a team member, and I speak from experience. Almost everyone I have ever hired that was a successful hire and went on to do amazing things at Orange Thread Media, came from a series or recent interaction with their breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs are far superior to a good resume or cover letter. Don’t cover them up or sweep them under the rug.
