Too impressive resume
By K31
@keihimekawa (2009)
Philippines
April 22, 2012 9:35pm CST
I've been working in the same company for almost 6 years now and since I hold one of the senior position, I was asked to handle several interviews for applicants. I was always lenient during interviews (to the point that I speak TagLish) since I want the applicant to answer what's in his/her mind and not those ready-made replies. It's amusing to see them reply honestly and frankly during interviews.
Anyway, there are also times when I see resume with "too impressive" content. I was, of course, impressed at it but when I dig deeper into the content, I can't help but feel totally unenthusiastic about the applicant. It feels like he/she buttered the resume too much that he/she can't defend the content. Some samples:
1. "Best in thesis award"
I was impressed with their thesis and started asking some things about it. I work in the IT field so it's understandable that I delve into the technicalities. Since she can't answer most of my questions, I asked her again:
Me (M): I thought you won best in thesis? How come you can't even elaborate on some areas?
Applicant (A): I only handled documentation and not the programming part
M: :| - this is a straight face
2. "I'm smarter than others and my strongest point is analysis"
Of course, reading this I'm assuming that her problem analytic skills is above average (though the "smarter" comment put me off). I set some programming tools and asked her to rate herself with 10 being the highest. I kept throwing programming tools and on the 5th one, She answered "9" then I asked "Why?" She stopped then laughed.
M: Why 9?
A: *laughs* maybe I should put in 7
M: *laughs too* no, even if you put in 7, I'll ask you "Why 7?"
A: *no reply*
M: Ok then, when going through your resume, it seems like you want to market your "analytic skills" as your strongest point.
A: *laughs*
M: Why analytic skills?
A: Well.. Um.. I tend to finish case studies before the rest of the class
M: And that explains why you tell us you're skilled in it? Base on speed?
A: .... Yes..
M: OK. I think you're aware that we have 3 more applicants aiming for the same position and we need only one. How can you sell yourself to us? What can you tell us to make us decide "Let's get her instead."
A: .......... *and I mean lengthy silence! I was with my team mate when we interviewed her. And we kept quiet for like 5 minutes and she can't answer*
M: It's ok. Thanks for your time.
Actually after these applicants, I told them to take this advise as a "friendly" advise since not all interviewers are as lenient as me. "Never put in anything in your resume which you can't prove".
Have this scenario happened to any of you guys here?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@jhelaimlim (102)
• Philippines
10 May 12
nice so see this and read about this friend this could help me again to look on my resume.. maybe i am overdoing it. and when interview comes i cannot handle all the questions properly. but glad i have a very simple resume. and i know that i have done it properly, that i could answer whatever the interviewee would ask me. but sometimes i do backfire.. stammering, cannot answer the questions.. maybe because i am nervous? or just... i don't know.. but you a really a good interviewee in your field friend. i could learn a lot from you. :)
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
10 May 12
Thanks for the compliment :)
Actually most of us will experience that kind of scenario where we really can't answer everything that the interviewer's asking. In my opinion, I think it's best to be honest. If one can't answer the question, it's always good to answer with something like "I really am not that familiar with that but if I'm given a chance, I'm sure I can learn it in no time".
A simple resume is something an interviewer appreciate since he/she doesn't have to go through a lot of reading :D
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
23 Apr 12
You really made me laugh my dear.
This is very true- reading too impressive resume- but can't prove they "smarter" (hehehe) than the others.
Nice share here.
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
23 Apr 12
I know! I keep on thinking of the right term on what I exactly felt after the interview. Disappointed! I just hope she'll get a job soon enough.
@prince05 (92)
• Philippines
23 Apr 12
Before making my resume, I always see to it I know who am I talking to and study about the company and the job that I am applying for. Putting impressive things in a resume which you can't handle does not prove useful in getting the job. I usually just put my experiences and put emphasis on my strong points which can prove useful to the company. You should also know your resume and be able to answer any aspect of it. So what I do is I make it simple as possible, but dwell on the important parts of yourself and how you can become an asset to the company's growth.
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
23 Apr 12
I totally agree on this! Company research is something an applicant should do first. A resume full of achievements doesn't mean one would be immediately hired. If that's the case, then there's no need for interview :D I also keep my resume really simple and straight-forward.