One of the most important attitudes that employers are looking for right now is one’s willingness to learn. But how do you show your potential employers that you are a willing learner? How can you demonstrate this all-important quality? Your resume can be a starting point to show employers that you are willing to upgrade and improve your skills. The problem is that potential candidates often do not know how to use their curriculum vitae to impress potential employers and hiring managers.
Remember that hiring managers are going to judge your skills based on what they see on your resume. They won’t see or talk to you until the first job interview, but that won’t happen until you are on the shortlist. To be on that very short list, your resume needs to do the talking.
First Step: Write Your Resume According to Your Audience
Every country has a different “expectation” when it comes to a candidate’s resume. Each country has its own hiring process, too. In the Philippines, for example, companies would usually give a written test to potential employees. The test can be anywhere from a simple grammar test to abstract reasoning to reading comprehension. It’s a bit like taking the college entrance exam. Writing the resume is different, too. Filipino employers place particular importance on one’s academic background.
This is a far cry in other countries where the focus is on the skills of the applicant. In the United States, employers will conduct a job interview based on what’s written on the applicant’s resume, which is a concise summary of past job experiences and responsibilities. In Singapore, most employers want a comprehensive curriculum vitae, complete with an executive summary, key skills, work experience, achievements, educational background, and some other miscellaneous information such as the languages you are fluent in.
Second Step: Use Examples
Your ability to tailor-fit your resume to the expectations of the one reading it tells a lot about you. But there are other things a hiring manager is looking for, and that is the examples of how willing you are to learn. You can mention on your resume that you were in a work and study program. That is a shining evidence that you are a constant learner. Not to mention, it shows that you are good with time management.
Once you are shortlisted, mention during the job interview that you are still attending seminars and conferences even if you have a degree already. Talk about the industry blogs that you follow and read. If you love watching tutorial videos about anything that is related or not related to your work, you might mention that, too. These show that you are constantly curious and that you can stay on top of the trends.
Third Step: Emphasize Your Dedication to Growth
Have you been promoted in your last job? Make sure to mention that both in the resume and the job interview. This shows that others have recognized your ability to take on new challenges and tasks. Don’t feel down if you have not been promoted. You can discuss a community organization that you head, or an event that you helped organize. Taking on new roles is evidence of one’s openness to improve his/her skills. You need to show that you are enthusiastic to learn new things even if you’re not comfortable with it at first.
Fourth Step: Embrace Technology
One of the emerging trends in the job application process is the use of video resumes. If there’s a way for you to send one or provide a link to your video resume, do it. Hiring managers and potential employers will surely remember you. Not only are you going to be different from your competitors, but you’re also going to be a standout because you’re at par with the trends.
Remember that no matter what industry you join, it is somehow linked to new technology. Your ability to adapt to these new and emerging technologies can be a telling point of your capability of being hired. Employers want someone comfortable with technology and all its idiosyncrasies. Show a potential employer that you’ve attended crash courses on web design, computer programming, coding, graphic design, and more. While you’re not an expert, basic knowledge of these important skills will make you attractive in the eyes of employers.
The world isn’t like before. Back then, all employers need to know is if you can do the job they need you to do. Today, employers are more discerning. They want employees who can keep up with the latest industry trends and who will be willing to upgrade their skills to be more competitive.
