2011 February | Nonprofit Executive Search & Nonprofit Temporary Staff

The Truth About What HR Exec’s Look For

Think about it, HR is paid to be the gate keeper. Here are some key points you need to know to get your resume out of the first round, and allow you to speak to the decision maker.

What HR is paid to look for…

First look at the job description that you are applying for. HR people are like machines. Overworked and short on time. Each job that they are recruit for has four main requirements that they are looking for. Show them CLEARLY that your resume has these four requirements and you are in! Following are some tips on how to do that.

What to include in your resume to get you out of the first round…

Re-read the job description. Then boil the job description down to the four main ingredients that they are seeking. If you want to get the job you will need to add skills section for each of the four main components of the job description they are looking for. People naturally want to interview the individuals that have the title of the requirement that they are seeking. Thus, if you are trying to get a research job – unless you have a “research skills” section on your resume – you may not get the interview. It is that simple. But add a skill section for each of the main areas they are seeking in their job advertisement and you will get a call for an interview.

Here is an example of an EA to a President job. For most of these they looking for you to have (1) prior experience supporting a C-Level exec, (2) research/writing skills, (3) polished communication abilities, and (4) prior experience in their industry. You could boil down most EA jobs to something along these lines. Thus, you should add the following skills section to your resume.

(1) EA Support Skills

(2) Writing and research skills

(3) Communication Skills (examples of complex work matters you have led in discussions, or examples of dealing with difficult people or situations)

and (4) Industry Passion (these show your passion for what they do. And can be magazines you read, or even events you have gone to.)

Use this system for any job you want and think like a HR person! What are the four items they have been asked to screen for? Do you have skills sections on your resume for each one? If not, add them – because you are missing something.

Try this for yourself – and see the difference it makes.

For information about for-profit jobs and staffing please see: http://scionstaffing.com.