Unlocking Career Success: Avoid the Common Résumé Mistake Tech Giants See

Recognizing the Real Goal of Employment

Farah Sharghi, a former recruiter who has worked with tech giants like Google, TikTok, Uber, and Lyft, has conducted thousands of interviews. From her wealth of experience, she shares a pearl of wisdom that many job seekers overlook: the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than merely listing responsibilities on a résumé.

Understanding the Corporation’s Perspective

Farah emphasizes that corporations are driven by profit, not by providing personal favours. Job seekers must internalize this when crafting their résumés. She recounts numerous clients who approach her for résumé revisions, often showcasing lists of tasks without articulated business outcomes.

The Value Proposition: What Did You Achieve?

A critical aspect where many candidates falter is in demonstrating the business impact of their work. As Farah explains, the question she often poses is, “What did you achieve at work?” The key is not just sharing activities but explaining the value these tasks brought to the organization.

Knowing Your Worth

When job seekers understand that their effort is worth money, it transforms how they present their experiences. A résumé should convey the unique value a candidate offers to a potential employer. Farah believes that recognizing and communicating the worth of one’s labor is essential to avoiding exploitation in the job market.

Tailoring the Résumé for Success

Farah highlights a powerful strategy: customize your résumé by communicating how your work has addressed real business needs. The résumé becomes a testament to the applicant’s distinctive abilities and the specific problems they are poised to solve for potential employers.

Eye-Opening Reality Check

Clients working with Farah often have an eye-opening experience. They start viewing their professional skills as a commodity—a perspective that reshapes not only their résumé but also their overall job-hunting strategy.

Naïveté Doesn’t Pay in the Marketplace

Farah’s advice concludes with a stark reality: naïveté does not fare well in corporate environments. Companies seek candidates who understand and can communicate their tangible contributions. According to Business Insider Nederland, this insight is pivotal for job seekers aiming to stand out in a competitive landscape.

By focusing not just on what you have done, but on what you have achieved, you can craft a compelling résumé that speaks to employers’ core interests, unlocking new career opportunities and paving the way for professional success.