There is more to a career than a simple resume. On that same note, a resume can only offer as much information as will fit on a single piece of paper. Resumes are a great starting point because they clearly convey experience and skills. However, there are plenty of qualities a candidate can possess that will not be listed on a resume. Additionally, businesses receive countless resumes, making it difficult to read every single line of each resume.
Because no one’s full job history can be explained in a single sheet of paper, it is important to have an online portfolio or to provide additional access to job history and skills. After all, you are seeking a candidate who aligns with your corporate culture to fill the open position.
What Information a Resume Provides
Resumes provide basic information such as previous jobs, current skills, and educational attainment. Since resumes do not tell the full story of a candidate, hiring managers must do their due diligence to determine if the candidate is right for the open job position.
Despite the summary of information a resume provides, it can sometimes fail to show a candidate’s growth. While resumes may outline experience, they do not shape long-term success. Attributes such as problem-solving, learning ability, and attitude cannot be observed with a single resume. In fact, some candidates may be hired before a manager recognizes their strong problem-solving skills.
What Information a Resume Does Not Provide
Most organizations request that applicants provide their resume when applying for job openings. However, it is worth asking whether resumes are the most valid method for initially screening job candidates. Simply put, there is important information that a resume cannot provide.
For instance, a resume does not provide information regarding:
- If the candidate is a culture fit
- If the candidate takes ownership without direction
- How the candidate thinks through problems and scenarios
- If the candidate can adapt well to the new environment
- How the candidate responds when things do not go as planned
- How can the candidate learn unfamiliar skills quickly
- If the candidate can stay motivated
In addition to a resume, some organizations require candidates to fill out an application form. An application form may require more information than a resume summary.
What Makes a Strong Candidate
A strong candidate is aware of a business’s strengths and gaps. This information does not deter the candidate. Instead, the candidate is ready to contribute anyway. The ultimate applicant will know how to navigate change and move forward with the company.
Some of the qualities that make a strong candidate include:
- Self-motivation
- Clear communication skills
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Loyalty
- Problem-solving skills
- Adaptability
- Strong work ethic
- Dependability
- Detail-oriented skills
- Confidence
- Honesty
- Flexibility
- Critical thinking skills
- Eagerness to learn
- Positivity
- Self-reliance
Since applicants choose what information to include in their resumes and cover letters, some add extracurricular activities and volunteer activities. These experiences, when added with certain skills, provide a larger scope of how the candidate will fit in at your place of employment.
Find Top Talent Today
At LH Global Consulting, we can find the right fit for your company. With us, you can submit a job opening via our online request form. Once you submit the request, you can get aligned with candidates in 48 hours. We offer fast, personalized, and culture-fit hiring solutions for organizations and businesses.
Consider global staffing solutions to help you find the perfect fit for your recent job opening. We offer 48-hour delivery of top talent options. Contact us today so we can help you find a well-rounded candidate who offers more than a flashy resume.
