Can you predict someone’s true colors by their resume alone? Probably not. The better indicator will always be actions. To the extent that a resume can capture past actions, it will help you get to know them. But, keep in mind that a complete picture will consist of more than bullet points.
Getting to Know Someone
Especially now that anyone can access virtual assistance in writing a description of who they are, what is presented in text will be a dim reflection of a person. So, what can you do? Here are a few things to consider:
- Listen: When you speak with someone, actually listen to their answers. Sift out the expected replies and consider what else was said. Were the words said with a sense of humor? Or, was there arrogance and condescension? What additional information did they want to contribute?
- Don’t Jump to Conclusions: It’s important to avoid a rush to judgment. An individual’s sense of humor can be misunderstood at first. Likewise, people can be nervous, shy, or apprehensive, and that will affect how they interact with others before feeling comfortable enough to relax and be themselves.
- Consider Actions Not Just Words: Will a person assist in picking up a mess or simply step over it? Will they offer to help someone when there is no direct benefit to themself? What have their actions demonstrated?
What Do You Value?
Be it making friends or hiring employees, another factor will be what you’re seeking. If you’re filling a sales position, you may prioritize someone more focused on profits than people. Pursuing dollars first and putting everything else second is a working strategy…for some people. The question you need to answer is – which characteristics and goals do you value?
In my sister’s professional career, she always went the extra mile for anyone who needed help. She worked endless hours of overtime and sacrificed countless weekends, helping her authors from manuscript to printed page while also supporting her coworkers as best she could. Over time, she was not well rewarded for her job; rather, she was often disrespected and treated poorly. Yet she continued to persevere, because she had the heart and commitment to prioritize the needs of others, and she knew her work and skills had value. Reading the tributes to her now, it is readily apparent how much the people she supported truly appreciated her over the years. She is missed, not for the boxes she checked in a job description but for the personal connections she made. Were her sacrifices worth it? How you answer that question depends on what you value.