Having sent out G-d knows how many resumes in my lifetime (I know Princeton University alone has received over 100 from me over time, so I’ve generally given up on them), and been on dozens of interviews to know that what the author of this article, Liz Ryan, says is true. Sure, everyone will try to stretch the truth a little bit to make themselves better, but there are ways to say, “Yeah, I’m not as strong in that but I can learn quickly,” in a way that isn’t lying, but still expresses that more carefully. Additionally, this is one reason that volunteering, or talking about topics that interest you–but you aren’t doing–in a blog is helpful. I know that while I haven’t been an instructional designer, anyone who’s read my blog knows that I have a decent foundation in instructional design principles, and I know much about the tools and lingo used in the field. So for me to apply to an e-learning or m-learning job is not that far-fetched. A stretch, sometimes, but nothing more than that. Sometimes recruiters have contacted me with something that I think is way off target, but I’ll look at it a second time, and think, “Hmm…maybe I can do this after all.”

As Liz Ryan said in the article, it’s a two-way street as well. Employers are always working to ensure that their brand evokes something positive, even when things aren’t going well, because they want to retain good talent. 

What do you think? Include your comments below.