The JobSync Blog
Candidates and Their Stories: Will They Work Happily Ever After?
October 6, 2011
As a recruiter or hiring manager, you are always looking for someone with great skills, experience, personality, and commitment. However, you are also looking for that “certain extra something” that makes this individual a compelling candidate. Something that sets him apart from the rest of the applicants for a job at your company. So, what is it?
Whether you realize it or not, that special quality is their story.
Recently, Businessinsider.com highlighted the need for job seekers to be able to present their work background as a story. Not just any story, but one that shows a career trajectory of fulfilled promise and achievement. You have probably met many candidates who make the mistake of presenting themselves as a loose collection of disconnected jobs and skills. This lack of coherency no doubt made you question their drive, focus, and commitment.
Today, just as job hunters need to project their story in an attractive matter, it is also equally incumbent upon recruiters and hiring managers to recognize a candidate’s success story. As you interview a candidate and review this individual later, ask yourself the following questions:
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Does the candidate’s work experience reflect an upward, linear trajectory of different – but related – positions?
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Is the candidate’s background filled with a record of consistent successes and accomplishments?
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Is the candidate enthusiastic about sharing this story, or is the presentation more matter-of-fact?
Ultimately, you want to fill your company with professional storytellers. Not only are they more likely to continue their stories of achievement, but in doing so, they will help you write a new chapter in the history of your company as well.
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