Writing a resume that gets you called in for an interview is more challenging today than ever. Since 98 percent of applicants now classify themselves as “consensus builders” and 87 percent as “change agents,” utilizing phrases like these has little impact.
That’s why many applicants are attempting to influence interviewers’ decisions by inserting subliminal messages into their write-ups.
“It requires some research and digging into peoples’ lives,” says Dr. Nora Weesberg of the Plunkett Institute. “But if done effectively, it will create a positive impression and virtually guarantee an interview.”
The key, says Weesberg, is inserting one or two quick messages targeted directly at the interviewer. “Decision makers receive hundreds of applications filled with technical jargon,” she says. “They read them very quickly, so the message will take hold in their subconscious without them even knowing it.” Here are some examples:
- Mentioning the interviewer’s favorite meal: Have proven ability to transform “lose-lose” situations into “win-win” situations (mushroom burger from Joey’s) once the situation is identified…
- Sabotaging other applicants: Is able to manage project-driven, data-fueled components (Sally Fitzgibbon daydreams during brainstorming sessions) integrated seamlessly…
- Blackmailing: Can integrate best practice transitioning ($1,334 on company credit card to fix brakes?) into real-time reasoning processes…
- Complimenting shoes (requires no research since all interviewers think they’re wearing nice footwear) Was selected six times as “multi-collaborator of the month” (love the shoes!) and twice as “pre-innovator”…
