Confidence is Key

Here on the blog, I get into a lot of "don't do that!" kinds of advice. Posts that take that approach are nearly always prompted by the work I do on the other side of the table providing Business / HR consulting for organizations of all sizes.

I've had a lot of positive feedback regarding a post I recently wrote that gave tips counter to the way many job seekers think. In an attempt to use the basis of the post for a talk I am giving, I realized that so much of what I say in that post (and otherwise) really boils down to confidence.

A person's confidence – or lack of confidence – is something that shines through loud and clear when a hiring panel is reviewing job candidates for positions.

• You think your 20 or 30 year-old experience is impressive (and it was!) because you got your start with impressive companies. But why would a search committee want to see entry-level experiences on your resume for an executive position. If your last 10-15 years are impressive, they'll certainly know that what you did 30 years ago is impressive as well.
• You think your experience with now-dated technology is impressive (and it was!) because it tells your story and shows how you've grown. But why would a search committee want to see your experience mastering outmoded technology. If what you've done with technology in the last 10 years is impressive, they'll certainly know that what you did prior is impressive as well.

You get the idea! As job candidates, we can get so lost in our wide-ranging experience, and in our insecurity, and in our unedited story that we forget one of my key mantras: 

Your resume is about you but for them. Always consider what they want and need to see on your resume – not what your ego feels they need to see.

Confidence is key as you embark on any new endeavor. Stay out of the weeds, and let succinct, powerful, well-crafted job search documents be your first best step forward.