“Delve deeper. Only knowledge can come from the unknown."
When you look at as many job descriptions and resumes as I do, you begin to wonder, “What is behind the curtain?” These pieces of paper seem to run together. You start to ask questions...“Ok, but what does this person actually do on a day-to-day basis? What are this person’s true strengths as a candidate?”
Resumes are helpful and job descriptions are rough guidelines, but imagine if you could take a casual 30 minute walk with the person applying to a role or with the incumbent of the position. This conversation would go beyond the lines of text that generically describe duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
You’d get to know the candidate on a more relevant level. As a candidate, you’d get a peek into the company’s successes and struggles.
Many professionals can put together compelling job descriptions and resumes. However, only a few can truly present themselves face-to-face in a way that builds confidence that engaging will result in a near perfect fit. Candidates have the task of highlighting their strengths in order to advertise themselves as a value-add. Clients face the challenge of making the day-to-day seem exciting, dynamic, and fulfilling.
To understand the company’s culture, mission, and values you can’t stare at a job description. In order to find candidates’ strengths and why this role matters to them, we can’t stare at a resume.
Multiple touchpoints between the candidate and the hiring company is key.
Next time, put the resumes and job descriptions to the side and figure out what's behind the curtain.
Written by: Rob Scherer, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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