by Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC
Sounds like a bold claim, doesn’t it? But that is exactly what new research suggests, according to Paul G. Stoltz, Ph.D., co-author of "Put Your Mindset to Work". Looking for work by emphasizing only your skills may be leaving out important strengths for getting a job in today’s competitive market. GetInterviews continually reviews hiring trends and different industry perspectives on current best practices to help you get results.
Although you may associate mindset with soft skills, such as good communication or presentation skills, Stoltz offers a research base and a formula for success to emphasize the value in your personal characteristics to employers to avoid the “fluff” of soft skills that too many people insert into their resumes. At GetInterviews, we have always encouraged job seekers to emphasize positive personal characteristics by including specific achievements as part of a strong resume.
Adopt a Winning Mindset
Mindset is similar to attitude, but deeper and more complex. It is expressed in how you think, problem-solve, and interact with others. Parts of a winning mindset include curiosity, ability to brainstorm, and a willingness to collaborate to reach solutions.
Before even beginning to write or revise your resume, consider what characteristics you want to emphasize. You may list professional values or positive feedback you have received from others on big projects to help you identify areas to highlight or you may use a job description to help you target important characteristics. Regardless of how you choose which aspects to emphasize, impressive achievements always reflect positively in a resume.
Communicate Your Mindset
To communicate your winning mindset, you must maintain your achievements in your resume. You may also use your accomplishments to communicate valuable characteristics that set you apart from the competition. Identify the trait or personal characteristic you want to emphasize and then you may want to use Stoltz’s formula to help you link with your own accomplishments.
Mindset quality … actions … compelling achievement (Stoltz’s formula)
Example (Mindset qualities = Integrity & Compassionate Leadership): Championed groundbreaking employee assistance/wellness program and funded (actions) with $25K in savings from identifying and correcting overpayments (actions) in personal expense accounts (compelling achievement).
Improve Your Chances of Landing a Job
Stoltz saves the best for last. He believes that resumes using his “mindset-in-action” statements may be up to three times (3X) more likely to land a new job. The concept of emphasizing the results of your actions and not just listing your responsibilities and skills are methods we at GetInterviews have incorporated consistently, with good results. Stack the odds in your favor. Present your accomplishments in a way that conveys your positive characteristics and you will get the attention of potential employers.
Employers Value Mindset
Stoltz goes on to report that 96 to 97 percent of employers polled identified mindset as one of the up and coming trends for new hires, because it represents enduring traits.
Employers have long recognized the value of individuals who are able to tackle challenges and contribute significant accomplishments. Consistent performance delivers more value to employers. That is the importance in providing an overview of your career progression in your resume, as well as specific achievements. At GetInterviews, our polling of hiring managers helps candidates find results by aligning with current hiring trends across industries.
Personal characteristics and a positive attitude in addition to a strong work history and clear career progression will place you well ahead of the competition. Communicate your positive mindset effectively through your resume and you may be landing that new job sooner than expected!