| The notion that employers are only
interested in where you have been and where you are heading is pure nonsense. Experienced
hiring managers take into account both your experience and your character. After all, in
the end, they are hiring a human being, not a robot. Still, many believe that personal
attributes just take up space and make the resume "fluffy."
After reading countless job descriptions that make it a
point to mention personal characteristics and speaking directly with hiring managers on
this specific topic, I've come to realize that it's not the inclusion of personal
attributes that make resumes superficial. It's how the characteristics are presented that
is the cause of concern. In this article, I will focus on the top three characteristics
employers seek (good communication skills, honesty, and a strong work ethic) and discuss
how you can seamlessly integrate them into your resume. Now let's get started.
Print out your resume and take a look at it. If you find
that you carelessly threw some of the characteristics mentioned above in your resume
without making supporting statements to back them up, then the reader will question the
sincerity of your claims.
Here's an example of a superficial sentence: "Possess
a strong work ethic and recognized for the ability to deliver results." Although the
sentence covers attributes employers seek, the sentence needs to be spiced up.
For example, a more compelling sentence is:
"Demonstrated record of consistent performance and ability to establish strong
presence within global markets (e.g. China, Italy, Sweden), generating 6- and 7-figure
revenue gains."
Notice the difference? In the original sentence, the
declaration didn't carry much weight. Simply stating you have certain characteristics
doesn't make it so. The reader will be scratching his or her head and thinking, "Oh
yeah? Prove it."
The revised sentence takes a different approach. Instead of
stating personal characteristics outright, the sentence demonstrates results; therefore
the reader can deduce that the candidate has all the right characteristics. This will
leave the reader thinking, "Interesting stuff. I'll put this candidate in the
must-call pile."
Presentation is Everything
The way the resume is structured, organized, and written
also alludes to your personal characteristics. Using actual client stories and the top
three characteristics employers seek, I'll discuss common mistakes jobseekers make in the
presentation of their resumes.
Poor Communication Skills Are a Real Killer:
Bryan was extremely qualified for all the positions he
applied for, but he was receiving no bites. After careful review of his resume, I noticed
that although he claimed to be an excellent communicator, he failed to communicate his
value. It was obvious the resume was homespun and lacked the finesse needed to garner the
attention of hiring managers. He was under the impression that once he received an
interview, he would be able to communicate exactly why he was qualified for the position.
Unfortunately, he never received that chance.
Lesson learned:
Simply writing "strong communication skills"
isn't going to be enough to convince a decision maker that you can successfully interact
with others. A hiring manager is going to look to your resume as verification of your
claims; and if you aren't able to effectively put two sentences together, they are going
to question not only your communication skills but also your ability to do the job.
A Question of Integrity:
During a client-intake session with Amanda, a recent
college graduate, she told me her current job title was "Director of External Public
Relations." I couldn't help but think that was an impressive title for a 22-year-old.
After prodding a little, I discovered the real story. It just so happens that this
particular client worked for her aunt in a two-person office and there were occasions when
she wrote press releases and spoke to reporters regarding the latest company happenings.
Though she did participate in public relation activities,
the title of Director of External Public Relations was a bit of a stretch. An employer
would have had the same reaction I did. He or she would have doubted her claims and as a
result, wouldn't have bothered calling her in for an interview.
Lesson Learned:
Your resume has to be believable. If an employer has any
inkling you are being deceitful, your resume will go in the trash. And even if you are
able to get through the resume review and interview process with half-truths, be warned:
once hired, you will be expected to deliver.
When a Strong Work Ethic Doesn't Work:
Even though he had five different jobs within three years,
Patrick insisted on including that he had a strong work ethic in his resume. He claimed
that his job-hopper image was unjust since he left each job because it wasn't the right
job for him. He insisted that when he found the right job, he would definitely be
committed.
After careful review of his personal characteristics, we
agreed that there were other personal characteristics he could use that would make him
just as employable as the phrase "strong work ethic;" phrases that wouldn't
leave the reader with the feeling that he was trying to pull one over on them.
Lesson Learned:
In a resume, leverage what you have to offer and don't try
to sell yourself as something you are not. Your resume should answer questions for hiring
managers, not leave lingering doubts.
Final Thought
Integrating personal characteristics in your resume will
make the resume reader-friendly and allow the reader to visualize you in the position. |