About a year ago, Michael Anderson posted a case-study in using infographics in a résumé. His concept was popular, but has become increasingly relevant in light of the state of unemployment. I’ve also become a little more passionate about this after looking at dozens of résumés the last few days, all of which are largely identical, save for the name at the top.
What’s important to learn about Anderson’s approach is not that it’s colorful (or all that accurate for that matter) but that it actually goes a few steps further in measuring things that matter. Listing software isn’t as effective as showing which software you use how often. Naming projects doesn’t explain how deeply one is involved or what type of impact it had.
I’m tired of trying to interpolate the quality of a person’s work based upon their longevity at a mediocre organization. I can tell who uses the Word Résumé templates and who follows the Monster.com Résumé Tips and Tricks. While these are de facto steps for the average applicant, that is precisely what they tell me as a prospective employer: how average the applicant is. [click to continue…]
After another week on the road speaking, I had the chance to pitch in with the I6 on some ideas for how to take care of people like me. Below are a few of my favorites.
What I deserve:
- Stop asking me for my slides so you can copy and distribute – you are only perpetuating ‘death by powerpoint’ – ask for handouts (in fact, insist on actual handouts)
- Ask me how I’m attending to adult learning principles, yes I should know some of those…
- Give me context, it might be fun to watch me walk into ideological chopper-blades in front an audience, but trust me – It’s only a short term thrill.
- I am not a superhero – one hour (or even one day) of my wisdom will not resolve all of your internal conflicts, solve world hunger, or re-imagine your industry. Stop asking — or pay more.
- Evaluate me – I want to get better, make sure I get feedback.
What you deserve:
- Sure, I’m a great writer, a ton of fun to speak with on the phone, or perhaps you’ve seen me on TV, double check that I can actually speak (it’s different).
- Good speakers are an investment. If I am giving the speech for free – you might get what you pay for. If you are paying me, I’d better deliver.
- Having me at an event should elevate both of us. I should feel enriched for having met your group, and you should feel like I respected your audience, your mission and work.
For the whole list, visit the clever folks at The Impossible 6.
