Why companies are so picky and hire just on Resumes when you can be great at the job?

Question

It's like they judge you before knowing you. For example i haven'tt done any companie jobs, and i do't have references at all and almost nobody knows me well cause i'm a shy person. So i tell them i don't have references. And just because of that they won't hire me? Why do they depend s o much on references or resume accomplishments... I have done so much stuff and learned skills from doing hobbies and that doesn't count?

Answer 1

I hate resumes too. Unfortunately they're part of the reality of the working world. You got some good advice from people here. Now go write a good resume!

Answer 2

For one thing, see if you can be more creative in the wording of your resume. Bring out the lessons and skills you've learned in hobbies and other experiences in your resume.

Also, include a cover letter detailing how your past experience has prepared you for the position you are applying for.

You need to have some kind of reference. People don't have to know YOU, they just need to know what kind of job you do.

They rely on these things because they don't know you and won't get to know you in a 5 minute or less conversation. So, they are using resumes and references to find out who you are.

Good luck. I know it's tough out there. And, if possible, try to be a bit more outgoing because that can go a long way towards winning a job.

Answer 3

It's a good start. Take out the objective and turn it into a summary paragraph. Put the objective in your cover letter. I have a "resume help" section and an example of a good resume on my website below. Make your resume targeted at a specific job or type of job then write it as you are trying to match your skills with that job's skill set. Consider the reader saying to you "What does that mean to me? How can that experience help you in this job?" etc. Good luck!

Answer 4

Your resume is your first impression of someone. Just like when you meet someone for the first time, you make judgements about them (true or not), based on their looks, clothes, etc. Companies receive 100s of resumes a day and have to be able to make split decission about people, because no one has time to talk to everyone that applies.
In regards to references, if you tell someone that you don't have any references, it is like saying no one can verify you have ever done a good work. If you have done hobbies with people, use them as a reference (at least they can be a character reference). Never say that you don't have a reference.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Companies often have to go through many applicants, so you have to understand that you're competing with others for the same job. The bosses have to find the most efficient way to narrow down their search as they can't possibly interview everyone. It makes even less sense for them to 'try out' everyone to see who can do it best!

It makes more sense for you to make your resume stand out so that you make them notice you and give you a chance.

Employers love pro-active people, so even though you're shy, it doesn't hurt to actively seek references or just play up your strengths.

Don't just rely only on the resume. The cover letter is their first glimpse of you, so make it a good one. Play up your strengths. No harm garnishing it a little as long as you're able to justify what you say. Do a bit of research on the company and the job they're hiring for and see how you can adapt your strengths around it. Besides, the cover letter is your chance to list all the non-resume skills that you've acquired, e.g. leadership skills from being president of the chess club, good attention to detail from editing the school newsletter, etc.

I got my first job for a position that had absolutely no relation to what I studied and I had no portfolio or references. What got me an interview and test was my cover letter because I knew what they were looking for and worded my letter to make it sound like I had what they wanted (and then reinforced that in the interview).

Good luck!

Answer 6

They aren't willing to take your word for it that you are great. Lots of people are great liars. Not that you are, but some people are. Try to think of people you have learned your hobbies or skills from. You really need some kind of a reference. Try volunteering, they are grateful for your help and will give you a reference and say you are a hard worker, even if you are shy.

Put all your hobbies and skills on your resume and try to think of ways they would be used in a workplace. Attention to detail, reliable, stuff like that.

Answer 7

Without either professional experience or a degree in your field of choice, you most likely will not be hired for the position. Hobbies don't count on resumes as experience. Try looking for an entry level job, one for new graduates. If you're applying to positions that require many years of experience you won't get past sending your resume.

Answer 8

You don't have any references? You don't have a neighbor, a friend, a former teacher? Have you ever done any type of job at all? I am on my daughter's friends resume because I've hired him several times to do odd jobs around the house!

You may have to take a really bad, by the hour job in order to build your resume. Given a choice of a relative "known" quantity vs. an "unknown" who would you hire?

Answer 9

Companies are reluctant to hire someone without a track record. If you have truly gained skill and experience by independent work, note that in your resume. Good references are teachers, pastors, and family members. If you have trouble writing a resume, go on line and find a sample resume and follow it.

Answer 10

you should go to the "resume writing classes"
they really work
they also help you sell yourself

you would be surprised the skills these writings can get...
but they also.. work on your presentation..

that new "Will Smith" movie :"the pursuit of happiness" is an excellent example just an example you need to get out of your rut..
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS FACTS

Based on the life of Chris Gardner, a self-made millionaire, this drama stars Will Smith as a man who finds himself jobless and homeless at age 30, living in a San Francisco train station with his infant son. Determined to beat the odds, he finds work as a trainee at a brokerage and climbs the corporate ladder, eventually becoming partner and owner of his own Chicago-based firm.