Don’t Just Say It, Prove It
It is not enough to tell a potential employer that you have the skills needed for the job, you have to show them. HR professionals have seen it all when it comes to words on a resume. Everyone claims to be a “top performer”, “results driven” and “a leader”. Once everyone picks up on the current buzz words they simultaneously become null and void.
If just saying it is not enough to get you in the door, what else are you going to do to make an impact? Start with your targeted words, but take it to the next step so they pop off the page. Below are a few suggestions for helping the words jump off the page:
Digitally savvy doer: We are living in a digital world and most companies are looking for employees who thrive in this environment. But just saying you are digitally savvy won’t get your resume to the top of the pile. To take it to the next level, create your own website. Doing so not only showcases your digital skills, but also gives a potential employer a broader idea of who you are. Include your website on your resume and encourage the reviewer to go out and take a look.
The power of video: If you have not already invested in a webcam, it is time to do so. Once you have become familiar with your new form of communication, suggest it as an alternative to an in-person interview in your cover letter. This is especially helpful if the job you are applying for is some distance away. I do not have a crystal ball but I do think video interviewing will become more important in the future.
Lead by example: Graphic designers are use to bringing in their portfolio of work to let it speak for itself. Everyone should take heed and provide examples. If you are applying for a marketing role, put together a mock up of your work showcasing your creative writing abilities. If you are in sales, put together a sales presentation. Even someone applying for an HR role could provide some examples highlighting their ability to create a structured interview. To add a double whammy kick, incorporate your examples onto your website. You could even add a video sales presentation to your website. That type of creativity would definitely get you recognized.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:57 am
wow! great idea, it highlights a more technical approach in creating my resume. In my case, I will include video scenes of my design works.
thank you, you let me think about that.
August 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am
physically fit & hard working guy.
August 16th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Thank you so much for your personal view of your choosen caption about those looking for employment.Yes,all you said can be applicable in developed world like the USA,EUROPE and some part of Asia,but not so in AFRICA even in the southern A frica,not all can fit in that your suggestion except the areas occupied by the white minority.
Please my dear think of other ways of teaching people of how to get noticed and get the job the are looking for,not by web cam,video recording of activities of ones self etc. But all the same, you communicated truely to the advance world and not the third world where some people dont even have access to a computer talkless of a lap top with web cam.
Thank you so much for your column.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Great points! Another way to prove your digital savyness is to be a volunteer for maintaining the website for a professional association. Thanks for sharing
August 19th, 2009 at 5:35 am
I love you ideas how to present youself in front of HR peoples.
Thanx for sending me good ideas you are intelligent in this respect.
Have good day.
Take care Bye bye.
hussain