Interviews and Answering the So-What

The main reason people put off working on their resume is that it takes time. You need to read every word, every bullet and every phrase on your resume. Really read it. Read it out loud to a neighbor if you have to. When you are called in for the interview, you should know your resume inside and out. If you need to explain what a bullet point means instead of expanding upon it during the interview, it’s not clearly written. The interviewer should be able to ask “Can you tell me more about xyz and not “What does xyz even mean”?

Each bullet should clearly answer: “SO WHAT”? Why did you select that bullet point tohighlight? Does it highlight a skill that is listed in the job description you are applying to? Is this point something you are particularly good at? Most people select the right points to highlight but do not present them in the right way. Hiring managers and recruiters are busy, often looking at multiple resumes at the same time, don’t assume they will connect the dots and link your experience to what they require.

Don’t just tell the reader you “Manage a portfolio”. Answer the “SO WHAT”? Why should the reader care you manage a portfolio? If you ask yourself that question after each point, your resume will stand out. Did you manage the portfolio successfully? Was this portfolio for clients? Was the portfolio for 5 people or was it a $5M portfolio? See where I am going here? Instead write, “Manage and develop expansion strategies for a $5M global client portfolio”.

Answering the “SO WHAT”, helps the hiring manager learn more about you and it can clearly demonstrate your value-add to their company.