No matter how bullet-proof and perfect you think your resume
may be – if you’re invited to interviews but failing to reach the next step, there
is likely a very good reason as to why and it is a most important aspect many
people overlook.
But first, accept the fact that once you find yourself
seated opposite a hiring manager in an interview, your resume has served its
purpose and it’s from that point forward, up to you to propel yourself to the
next stage and beyond – it’s yours to win or lose.
Here’s a question: “Why should someone hire you”? Can you readily
answer this question, do it with confidence – and mean it? If you can’t, then
quite possibly you’re just going through the motions and this may be a big reason
you’re not getting anywhere or seeing the results you want. But don’t fret too
much because at least you’ve identified something you can influence and remedy.
You see, your primary task in an interview is to demonstrate
why you are a better choice than the others from whom to choose. Your resume
only got you in the door and it is but one component of the hiring process. Hey,
I’ve witnessed people with poor resumes who are confident and effective
interviewers; they seem to glide through the process and often get a job offer.
Your ability to communicate effectively during interviews is
the biggest component and your primary task, as far as I’m concerned. So for
the many who rely upon a lifeless piece of paper to get a job for them, this
simply isn’t an effective strategy.
So here it is – indeed, have a good and well-prepared
resume. But more important, know how to bring that paper to life, making it
emblematic of you as a candidate under consideration, among others. Then
sensibly but effectively demonstrate why you are their best choice – it really
can be this easy. Confidence is a big part of it but to be confident you must
be prepared and it calls for more than a good resume.
