Two Keys
When a Hiring Manager or Recruiter looks at your resume they are always looking for two key things. These two things will determine whether your resume gets more than 30 seconds of the reviewer’s time. One or both of these two things will often be what moves the reviewer to action such as an email or phone call or moving your resume to “check out later” file.
Your titles held and what you were responsible for is important. Your experience and length of service is important. Your degree, certifications, licenses, references, technical skills, business skills and specific knowledge are also very important. Rarely, will one of these cause the desired action. Neither will endless online applications filled out, emails, cover letters or resumes sent, even by the thousands.
Your personal traits, appearance and abilities are also very important but normally are not a deciding factor or important until later in the process.
So here are the two things:
- Accomplishments: what have you done and what can you do for me? What value will you bring to my organization? How do I know if you are better than other candidates? Can I see this right up front on your resume?
- A Personal Recommendation: Who knows you? Has someone that I know recommended you? Did someone else (that I trust) in the organization know and recommend you personally?
So the old adage “It is who you know” or phrased more appropriately as “who knows you” really is true.
The other old saying “People will pay you for the size of the problems you can solve”, is also true. As a reviewer, I won’t give you a the chance unless my interest is prompted by your resume.
By Francis R Howard August 2, 2012
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