Part Three : Identifying the Empathetic Employee
Resume Traits
You have successfully received a number of resumes and applicants that you feel could be eligible hires. Now what? Time is limited and reviewing resumes that vary dramatically in context and formatting can be cumbersome. A quick Google search would tell you that most hiring managers only spend a whopping 6 seconds on reviewing a resume. Fortunately, this is your opportunity to do the opposite, and continue to embody the traits you are looking to recruit and attract. By making your resume reviewing process more personal and spending more time up front, you will waste less time interviewing, which is the most time consuming of all. Lead with empathy because many hiring managers forget that you are both in a vulnerable position and have a need that could potentially be filled by the other. Let’s be honest, we all know how much time it takes to apply to jobs you really want and how horrible it feels when you send it off and it is seemingly lost in the ether. Keep this in mind and take your time. Look for language that mirrors what your posting said, but not in a “corporate application-filter” way which could mean someone simply copy-pasted from your posting itself. Find translatable skills and be open to not hiring the person that comes with direct experience, but rather someone with a beginner’s mind that has shown experience in the traits you are looking for. Maybe they were in a position that called them to handle sensitive information; this would likely require a great deal of confidence. Maybe they share a passion outside of work that is complementary to the tasks of the jobs they have held; this passion could relate to knowing what gives them energy or what depletes them. The way someone spends their free time shows what they are drawn to and how those environments do or do not exist in the job requirements. This self-awareness will ultimately help you guide and coach them as an employee.
In Summary:
Make the resume reviewing process personal. The act of applying is a vulnerable one, honor it in such a way by spending more time to review a resume.
Look for mirroring language. Has the person written their resume with language that resonates with you, that feels either familiar or attractive to what you are looking to attract?
Find translatable skills. Rather than looking for direct experience, be open-minded to hires where their skills and hobbies translate more creatively. A beginner’s mind is far more amenable than someone who may have direct experience. Oftentimes, direct experience can come with a more rigid attitude.
