Assuming your résumé passed the 10 second test, will the recruiter be intrigued enough to read further and learn more about you? Your résumé should not only show what you have done, but how well you have done it. Remember that the reaction to the résumé says almost as much about the person reading it as it does about the person who wrote it.
Create interest in your story and master the message about you and cater to the interests of the reader. The more genuine and human you are, in your language, story and approach, the more the readers will be wanting to know more. Do not let notable awards be an afterthought, Instead, list any achievements in the top third of your résumé because employers want to find people who are publicly recognized for their work.
Just like your resume, developing your interpersonal skill set with industry knowledge will give you the edge during the interview.
As a career coach with an operational background, I have seen interpersonal skills be the difference in landing the job, take careers to the next level, and holding people back.
No matter what job you apply for, when you are being interviewed you must be able to spark an engaging conversation. Candidates do not always rehearse interview interactions. I recommend to build-up your interpersonal skills. Get training that will help you rehearse dialogue – the type that allows you to have meaningful relationships.
From a business perspective, interpersonal skills are all the behaviors that allow you to build relationships, work well with others, whether it’s your boss, coworkers, direct reports, clients, customers, or anyone else you come into contact with. Fortunately, training can help you improve your interpersonal skill set with the right knowledge, techniques, and rehearsal practice.
Rehearsal is a great way to practice. Rehearsing dialogue can give you a good edge to make your conversation memorable. Since it’s impossible for you to work with an exact script, you’ll position yourself every time you speak about how your skills that make a good fit for the job you are applying for and how your background and experience are a good fit to the organization. Good experiential training will get you rehearsing to build up your confidence and promoting skill.
It does not matter where you want to work or what your job may be. Your interpersonal skills will create interest in those that are hiring and give you the edge to grow your career. If you have strong interpersonal skills, you are bound to be a top candidate and win.
Train to win.