5 minute read

By Bethany Rees

So beyond writing the Rocks Before Sand Blog, I’m actually a leadership coach and podcaster of the show “Leadership on the Rocks.” 

And I just so happen to have A LOT of experience in hiring people. As a school administrator I helped open and then hire staff for a brand new high school, but as a church layperson and community member I have sat on multiple committees to hire staff. 

So I am not exaggerating when I say I’ve seen thousands of resumes and interviewed hundreds of (if not over 1,000) people. 

Honestly the best time to look for a job is January/February through early spring because that's when most companies are hiring (FYI: very few hire during the summer or holidays). But before applying, you need to heed this advice on building your resume and preparing for the big interview. 

Failure to heed this advice will get this kind of response from the hiring manager.

Resume Must Do:

Write the resume for the job you’re applying for, NOT the job you already have. 

I am amazed at how many people turn in a standard resume that they’ve had for years; only updated with the dates of their current employment.

Most applicants' resumes are just a list of facts about what they do at their current job. They don’t write a persuasive resume showcasing the skills they’ve developed that ACTUALLY APPLY to the job they are indeed applying for. 

For example, I was serving on a children’s director (pastor) hiring committee at a church and several of our applicants only listed their current jobs. Jobs like: engineer software designer, cosmetologist, and social media manager. 

Now don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with those professions…BUT…what in the world do they tell me about how well you will lead our kids' ministry at church?

And to add insult to injury, they use a ton of jargon or acronyms from their previous jobs and organizations that I have no idea what they mean.

Here’s the truth you need to know about hiring managers: 

They will NOT take the time to connect the dots of what job you had and how those skills will transfer to the role they are hiring for. 

Must Do:

Write the resume for the job you’re applying for, NOT the job you already have. 

So connect the dots for the hiring manager by telling how you’ve developed the skills they are looking for in an employee. 

It is your job as the applicant to connect the dots. So put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and think…what skills and type of employee might they need/want for this role? How can I showcase that I’ve developed those skills (hard and soft) within my current/previous jobs?

Interview Must Do: Practice! 

It is SO hard to watch someone crash and burn in an interview.

I’ve witnessed people say (IN AN INTERVIEW) “I just thought I’d throw my name in the hat.” 

I’ve witnessed people go off on some of the most crazy tangents where they give me their life story that has nothing to do with the job or showcasing their skills. 

I’ve witnessed A LOT of people not answer the question that I asked. 

I’ve witnessed people badmouth and blame their previous supervisors and coworkers. 

AND I’ve witnessed people take credit for someone else's work on a project. 

Here’s the truth you need to know about hiring managers:

Their top priority is that you are an honest, integrity-filled and likable person with a teachable heart and a great work ethic. Why? Because they can always teach you the technical skills.

Must Do:

Practice! Practice various question types (technical, industry problems, soft skills/leadership, and behavioral) and then get feedback! 

Did you answer the question in a concise way and give an SHORT example within your answer?

How was your speed and tone? 

Did you have any verbal or nonverbal ticks (“um”, “like”, etc)?

Did you ramble and go off on tangents? 

Ok you amazing leaders and employees you...those two things are my biggest pieces of advice. However, this blog post really only touched the tip of the iceberg of ALL the advice I have to give about what hiring managers are looking for, so if you want the whole iceberg click here to register for the full “How to Get Promoted”  free recorded webinar.

Now go out there and build that amazing resume (or 4…build them all to match the jobs you're applying for😁).

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Make it Applicable and Practice!

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”

~Colossians 3:23

Theme Song: 

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5

References Used:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.