Take it from one who knows, your resume is not the most important thing about you … and it will rarely be the biggest reason you get hired. Is it important to have a good resume? Yes. Should your resume be crafted to get noticed and be appropriate for the job for which you are applying? Yes and yes, again. But there are (at least) four aspects of your job search that are vastly more important than your resume.
First, how measured are your words? You will not get hired based on the number of words you say or write. So, particularly if you get diarrhea of the mouth when you get nervous. Think long and hard about what you want to write and how you want to write it or say it or convey it long before you ever land an interview. When writing a cover letter, be brief. Choose your words with care, and make sure each one means something. Avoid modifiers that “increase” without explaining, like “awesome,” “incredible” or “very.”
Follow the same plan during the interview. Practice answering common questions. More importantly, bring several specific questions about both the business and the position that prove, without you having to say so, that you understand the industry and the work you will be doing.
That leads to the next point. When you go in, know what you are talking about, not just about you. Anticipate what you may be asked about your relevant skills to both the company and the position. Understand what they are about and be cognizant of why they are hiring someone in the first place. Remember, for them, it’s not about getting you a job. It’s about them filling an open position. They need something done, and they will hire the person best able to do that thing.
Third, don’t just accept whatever salary is offered. Nor should you demand a certain number without any wiggle room. Salaries are about value, so they are almost always open to negotiation. If you can establish worth going in, you will literally be worth more to the company than someone who just appears to have the skills to do the job.
Finally, be willing and able to focus on both what you have accomplished and what you have overcome. Employers don’t expect you to be perfect, and most good ones prefer problem solvers. So, if you have a record that reflects an ability to rise above adversity and achieve on schedule and under budget, be prepared to speak intelligently about it.
What about it? Is there something on this list that resonated with you? Anything you would like to add?
Gil Lederman is a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience in oncology.
About Dr. Gil Lederman - Radiosurgery New York 