Transparency in the Job Search Process

As I a reviewed a resume this morning, there was one thought that kept running through my mind.  It's this; be specific.

You and I both know the number of miscommunications that can happen if we aren't direct.   Being transparent is the word of the day in politics so why is it that some of us have a tough time doing it?  How can this relate to your job search?

Today’s resume said this, “Greet customers”. I say,

Who are the customers?

How do you greet them?

Why do you have to greet them?

Is there a standard that you have to follow such as “Greet customers according to a company standard of 60 seconds.”

Asking questions like this tends to narrow the focus and allow you to think of measurable results for your resume.

The same thing holds true about interviewing. Again, be specific.  When the interviewer says, “Take me through the process you follow as the front desk receptionist from when the client walks through the door”, you can clearly go through the step by step process that you follow so that the interviewer can get an idea of how you operate on the job.  Don’t just say, “ I greet them, make sure they are comfortable and then call their contact."  

How do you greet them? “When someone walks through the door I make sure to smile and make eye contact.  I then ask them who they are here to see and ask them to make themselves comfortable.  I then call the contact and let them know that their guest is in the lobby.  I then return my attention to the client and point out the rest room or coffee station.”

Clarity is everywhere in life and at work.  Did you ever get feedback from your boss on a job done well?  What if your manager said, Steve, great job”?  It might make you feel great for a second but then you’d probably wonder what you did that made it great.  Something more specific would be, “Steve, great job handling that difficult client.  I like the way that you calmed him down by offering to substitute the defective item with another one.  You followed the process perfectly! Let’s look into why these widgets seem to be breaking.” 

See the difference?

Transparency, clarity, articulateness, whatever you want to call it has a place in your resume, interview and then once you are hired, at work.  How do you make sure that you are coming across clearly?