but I don’t need a resume!
In the past few weeks here at the MISF, we’ve had a few candidates walk in and want to discuss career opportunities without a resume. Two of the people that I’ve spoken with became insulted that we asked to see one. “But I have a wealth of professional experience,” was one reply; the other applicant wanted us to go to his website to learn more about him.
I’m unclear as to what the block is about resumes. A resume gives me a quick, basic overview of an applicant’s professional history. It’s the foundation for our discussion about career options.
I also must have one to send to my client. I will, of course, call my client to talk about a candidate in more detail and offer up information that may not be reflected in a resume, such as an applicant’s personality. But at the end of the day, my client still needs the piece of paper in her hands to see where a candidate has worked before, what skills he has, and some clear evidence as to why he’s qualified to do a job.
I recently had a thought about the value of resumes: think of them as an introduction, not as what’s going to land you a job. An interview makes or breaks a professional opportunity, but a resume is what piques the hiring manager’s interest enough to learn more about you.