In many ways, a first date and a resume have much in common. Modern dating rules* include things like: don’t talk too much about yourself; be sure to make good eye contact; and, above all else, be yourself. Similarly, job seekers use tools like building rapport, communicating value and articulating their value in their resume to gain access to job opportunities.
In a job interview, our goal is to make ourselves relevant and compelling, to set ourselves apart from the competition and to cause the hiring manager to say, “I cannot find anyone better than this candidate!” Sounds like the same goals for a first date, doesn’t it? Regardless of whether the candidate or individual wants the job (or a second date), the goal is to get the offer.
To give yourself the best chance for success, your resume (and first dates) should follow these strategies:
Start With the Why
On a first date, you want to ask good questions, listen for the answers and respond accordingly. Your goal is to understand the motivation and drive behind the person’s answers and offer your own. Simply answering questions is not relationship building.
Similarly, the most common mistake job candidates make on resumes is listing the what, how and where of their background and experience but forgetting to communicate the why.
By default, a resume is a listing of what you did in the past — from your professional roles to your successes and achievements. But more importantly, a resume should indicate what you are passionate about, why you’ve achieved the goals you did, what you’re looking for next and how you see your ability to produce results and add value in your next job.
Add language to your resume that highlights what you’re capable of, what you aspire to, where you want to grow your career and what you care about, and then connect that narrative with your past. Don’t forget to relate your future goals and dreams to your current position.
Sound Like Yourself
On a first date, it’s ill-advised to act like someone other than your authentic self. Why would you? You run the risk that the person you’re meeting really does want to know someone like the real you… and will miss that opportunity. Or, you could create this dazzling and captivating (and inauthentic) persona your date likes… then you’ll have to either maintain that facade or come clean later.
I’ve seen many resumes that don’t sound or look like the person I’m sitting across from. In some cases, professional resume writers craft the resume’s content to the point that the candidate can’t even speak to the experience listed.
Be sure you’ll feel proud and focused when you hand over your resume. Can you speak to every job, result and accomplishment listed? Does your resume reflect your humor, energy, passion and confidence? If your resume looks sophisticated and professional, but you’re relaxed and casual, it will be a challenge to help a hiring manager see that you’re the same person listed on the pages.
Leave Something For the Interview
Ever had that first date where the person feels a need to tell you everything about themselves? It certainly doesn’t build intrigue and interest. Sometimes too much information is just that — too much.
Have you ever seen a four-page, single-spaced resume? Did you read the whole thing? Me neither. Your resume does not need to include everything you ever did from grade school forward, nor every accomplishment, award and success you’ve achieved. It should highlight the relevant skills, talents, experiences and value the hiring manager is recruiting for.
Leaving some items off your resume may feel risky. You certainly need to include the certifications and keywords the resume reviewer will need to put you through to an interview, but you do not need to include everything. You have room in your cover letter to highlight some of your background and can link to your online profiles (like LinkedIn) to supplement your talents and background even more.
Customize to the Job Requirements
In the dating game, deciding whether you and another person fit well together starts with understanding what you’re looking for and what they are seeking. Then, as it feels appropriate and natural, you find common areas and build from there. Much like we do with a resume.
As a job seeker, your resume should be modular — able to be adjusted and tweaked to fit the job requirements. A one-size-fits-all resume is like job seeking with a blindfold on. Hiring managers and recruiters are often overwhelmed with resumes for open positions. The easier you can make their job, the more likely your resume will get reviewed.
For example, look through each job requirement or job description and identify:
- What are the skills needed? Do you have those skills?
- What type of background are they looking for? Does your experience relate to that type of background? Can you make it relate?
- Are there keywords listed in the job requirement? You need to pull those same keywords out in your resume and use them often.
- What is the company culture? Will you fit in there? What makes you a fit? How can you work that into the tone and feel of your resume?
- Do you know someone who works there? Mention them in your cover letter.
Leave Off the Personal Info
Many job seekers make the mistake of including their birth date (including year), marital status and medical situation on their resume and online profiles. This information is not required and should never be a way to market yourself for a job or career.
It is fine, however, to include a “personal interests” section on a resume or online profile. In this case, you should still veer away from information that can be used to dismiss you and instead focus on hobbies, interests and talents that relate to the job you seek. For instance, you might say, “passionate about environmental causes and sustainability” if you’re looking for a career in natural resources exploration.
While I do advocate sharing marital information on a date (yikes!), I also don’t believe it’s relevant to share medical limitations or birth date (including year) on a first date.
Final note: A resume is a part of your toolkit, not the entire solution. Successful job seekers build their personal brand and reputation and have a resume, which serves as an extension of all that information.
*In the spirit of full disclosure, it has been well over 13 years since the author has had a “first date.” However, happily married to her husband, she does provide this guidance to her two adult sons.
What’s the most mortifying experience you’ve had, either on a date or an interview? Share in the comments!
This post originally appeared at Unleashing Your Brand.
Image: Flickr
