Is the hiring process generally fair to job seekers?
One of the oldest questions since man and woman stepped out in search of employment is the topic of fairness within the hiring system. The philosopher George Santayana’s aphorism, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” holds much truth when it comes to hiring fairness and unfairness.
If you want to explore proof that there are disagreements in hiring system etiquette, you need only to visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website at www.eeoc.gov. EEOC does its best to remind employers, employees and job applicants that everyone has a responsibility to uphold fairness.
So, how can you define what is just, equitable, honest, upright, and honorable behavior by a hiring employer? I recommend you leave that definition to the legal pros.
Here’s an alternative: Instead, use your time to focus on being so impactful during the hiring process that an employer can’t pass you up.
If you can, discover what key skills, characteristics and proven results the hiring manager is looking for in the person he or she is seeking to hire. Once you uncover that information, use your time convincing the hiring manager that you’re the one who can get those things done.
If you are able to persuade a hiring manager that you’re “the one,” you won’t need to be concerned with fairness.
Your resume must be one of your most compelling tools. It should scream, “Add me to your team!” Your resume is your written sales pitch on why you’re a great hire. Here are a few rules of thumb:
➤ Spell and use every word correctly. The proper word selection is critical every time — for example, using a “wood” in place of “would.”
➤ List only accomplishments that are valuable to hiring companies instead of loading your resume with unnecessary information.
➤ Select meaningful references who will be your advocate explaining why they should bring you on board.
Earlier I asked, “What is fair?” Instead of stressing out over the answer to that question, you should take control of what’s “fair” by investing the time and effort required to create an outstanding resume that sells you as the most qualified candidate for the job.
Here’s something to think about: Have you noticed that “fair” and “prepare” rhyme? It takes an effort to get an interview. Prepare yourself in every way so you can put your best foot forward. It’s amazing how preparing yourself well for an interview often eliminates those concerns about fairness, and transitions you into the person the hiring manager “must have” on the team. — Gary Moore is the president of Insight Edge. He has more than 30 years of business experience and specializes in the Personality Priority hiring process, sales and leadership training. Visit Moore’s website, www.insightedge.com, or send email to garymoore@insightedge.com.