Résumé writing and interview skills – sore areas for job seekers

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Whether as a deficit in our educational system or symptomatic of the millennial reality, lack of preparedness for the work world is a challenge. A common idea is that our education system focuses on passing exams and not enough on practical preparation for the post-school world. This brings into question the relevance and applicability of the school curricula and or the execution of same. As an educator now working in human resources, particularly talent acquisition, the job-readiness levels seen across multiple industries of Jamaicans, particularly in millennials, is alarming.

Our workforce suffers from grave résumé writing skills. Your résumé is the document which employers use to decide if they wish to meet with you. It must speak highly of you and be impeccably presented. Many Jamaicans attest to completing high school and tertiary studies without being taught how to write a résumé. This is a sore area for HR professionals, as it makes it difficult to gain an accurate understanding of the applicant’s profile. Too many Jamaicans seeking employment are at a disadvantage with poorly constructed résumés, resulting in poor representation, and recruiters and interviewing panels having to probe for clarity. There is a plethora of credible resources available to job seekers and persons seeking career growth, including but being not limited to LinkedIn, YouTube and various résumé writing services that can provide guidance. Your résumé is your professional biography, your written elevator pitch. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself accurately and efficiently so that potential employers will want to interview you. A highly skilled and qualified applicant with a poor résumé may be overlooked.

Candidates need to understand that they are being observed in every response to an email, punctuality for interviews and how they engage. Employers are seeking professionals who will improve their brand, and need to know their hire is not a liability. Interviewees should consult available resources like those mentioned above or identify an experienced professional who can offer credible career mentorship. Again, an easy-to-access resource may be as simple as YouTube. And, be sure to watch videos from multiple sources and those that may be from the industry you are seeking to enter.

For persons seeking to kick off their professional life or who are at the stage of seeking growth in their career, a well-crafted résumé and evident preparation for an interview set you as being a cut above the rest and are key to establishing your personal brand and showing how your brand can be an asset to that organisation.

DIMARIO SULLIVAN