I get a lot of resumes.  A lot.  TONS.  Not just resumes of consultants looking to join our firm’s projects, but people looking to work for me.  Some people send their resumes for positions they were born for, and some where I would recommend drug-testing prior to any further resume submissions.  But in almost every case, I find something missing:  A business plan.

From Wikipedia:

A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.

Now, if you’re sitting there thinking “I don’t need to have a business plan – it’s a job!”, then you can stop reading.  I don’t want you.  But I’m guessing that you feel that you bring value to a project or organization.  That’s a good thing.  But how do I, or any other employer know this if you don’t tell me/us?  Exactly – a business plan!

So, from reading a basic definition above, your business plan should include a resume – Yes!  Something you already have! – but not stop there.  I’m not saying buy business plan software, or even create much of a document.  What I’m saying is give a pitch as to why you’re the best option we have (if we have any brains at all).  So again, you’ve attached your resume — Make sure it’s quantitative, and not a waste of time to read – and now you go further:  Notes.  By notes I mean value statements or points as to your information and why you should be considered.  Here is an example:

Matt,

I caught wind of an Oracle R12 implementation project that you are ramping up in the northeast.  My current project is wrapping up in 2 weeks, and I’ll be available after that.  Currently, I live in CT, so travel would be short.  My last 9 projects were implementations, the last 5 on R12.  I’ve worked in several industries including hospitality, which I’ve come to find out is the market that your client is in.

I noticed you’re connected to First Name, Last Name on LinkedIn.  I’ve worked with her at 2 projects in the last 5 years as a counterpart, and you can verify my experience with her.  I’m willing to give you a one-month guarantee.  If you or your client are not satisfied with the quality of my work, let me go at no charge for my time.

What has this person done?  Told me his background, why he’s a fit specifically, given me a hefty warrantee, and even helped me verify his skills quickly.  Now THAT’s value.  It didn’t take him much longer to do that than just fire over a resume.  He’s condensed the time I have to spend on logistics with him, and allowed me to get down to building a relationship.

Treating a hiring manager like a valuable client will take you so much further, faster.  It will result in better earnings long-term, and less down-time.  Sound like a plan?

My .02