Want to Land the Job? Prepare to Discuss a Fact-Based Resume
Realistic self-assessment during resume discussions adds points on interviews.
One of the biggest complaints among hiring managers is candidates who don’t measure up to their resume!
Case in point— We recently received a resume boasting extensive experience with a particular skill set. In a pre-interview, the candidate was unable to provide us a clear answer or explanation illustrating his competence in the areas detailed on his resume. The pre-interview was a flop, leading to feelings of frustration on both ends, candidate and recruiter alike. Had we sent this candidate to a client, we all would have looked bad.
Never overstate your experience level or familiarity with tools and technology! Candidates sometimes convince themselves that once on the job, they can fake it till they make it. The reality is those candidates end up rejected during the interview process, or even worse, they get fired from a job for which they were unprepared.
To avoid rejection, don’t be swiss-cheesy!
Be forthright and realistic when preparing and discussing your
resume—particularly when it comes to presenting your skill levels and actual
experience. If your skill is less than the job
description specified, focus on your true strengths and accomplishments that would
compensate. If you’re not sure what they are, ask a colleague for some honest
feedback on your strong and weak suits.
7 Tips to Support a Realistic Resume Discussion
1. Know Thyself! Before Interviewing, Conduct an
Honest Self-Assessment
of your skills, experience and aptitude so you can
prepare your best value proposition, while being authentic.
2. Develop Your Value Proposition. While your resume focuses on the past, your interview must show how your abilities and attributes will translate on the new job. Sum up the contribution you expect to make so the employer will know why to hire you.
3. Communicate Strengths Effectively.
Prepare
to discuss at least one particular technical skill, business skill, knowledge
or personal character trait that illustrates experience gained on similar projects.
Prepare a story demonstrating which skills or attributes helped you succeed. Discuss
which strengths you believe are most relevant to the new position and why.
4. Focus on Metrics and Outcomes. Numbers count! Be specific, providing job relevant metrics, such as time to value, production, dollars saved, throughput, etc.
5. Differentiate yourself.
Decide what makes
you best suited for the job and back it up with real evidence. For example:
• Which skills and business knowledge set you apart from others? And why?
• How have you brought projects in on time and on budget? When and where?
• What tangible results have you delivered in
the past?
• Why are you the best person for the job? What proof can you offer?
6. Prepare Appropriate Answers for Thorny Interview
Questions (such as) :
What is your greatest weakness?
Career coach Alan Carniol suggests recognizing
that a weakness is the downside of a given strength. He recommends starting
with something positive
, such as: “I’m someone who keeps a busy
schedule.”
Then admitting to the downside
, e.g., “B
ut at
times it’s hard to take a step back and see how to keep everything moving
forward.” Then adding your
correction:
“So, I’m learning to delegate more and working on that.”
No matter the question asked, always refrain from sharing confidential details about business at prior firms or talking negatively about prior employers! It will count against you.
7. Be Honest. Take a realistic look at yourself and your skills. As Beatle John Lennon said, “Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones.” When it comes to a job search, a realistic skill and experience assessment will help you land the right job for you now. That can lead to bigger and better opportunities in the future.
For more insight, speak with an Elite Technical recruiter. Our professional recruiting staff has personally screened and/or interviewed close more than 90,000 technical professionals seeking their next career moves. Wondering which aspects of your resume are most valuable to current openings? Give us a call at 1-800-ELITE-50.
