More Than Just a Resume
Tuesday January 29, 2008
I was listening to Congressman Patrick Kennedy on CNN on XM Radio discussing his, and his father's (Senator Ted Kennedy) endorsement of Barack Obama for President. He made the point that it isn't just a resume that matters when you're being considered for a job. It's more than that. Kennedy said that a sixth sense about what you need in a candidate matters as much as the candidate's qualifications on paper.
That sixth sense matters when you're job searching, as well. Your resume may get you an interview, but it's not going to guarantee that you're going to get hired. Sometimes, it is just that sixth sense - a feeling - on the part of the hiring manager that you're the right person for the job that gets you the offer. Part of what contributes to the impression you make are your nonverbal communication skills.
All the Presidential candidates work really hard on their communication skills. So should you, because your nonverbal communications will help you secure a job offer. Poor communication skills, by the way, are on my Top Ten Interview Blunders twice. Once for not communicating well, and again for talking too much.
Comments
Alison, The sixth sense is alive and well in all interviews. I recently worked with a client who had terrible eye contact. In fact you got the feeling he was hiding something or not telling the truth. A few practice interviews, the real truth of seeing himself on film as I was interviewing him made all the difference. Because he was in accounting, I told him his lack of eye contact was a double negative. He worked hard to look me in the eye as we talked (and I interviewed him). And, yes, he is now in a new career position. More $$$, opportunity for advancement – - the whole nine yards.
So sixth sense matters – - on both sides of the desk during an interview.