We can’t resist a good story

In a world of automated review and selection for job candidates, why do we bother optimizing resumes at all?

The one answer I can give is that when it comes to us humans, we can't resist a good story. 

If I have two candidates that both made it past the bots, passed the technical interview, and had successful in-person interviews, I'm going to spend the evening with both sets of resumes on my desk. And while I'm mulling over my decision on who to hire, I'm going to start reading Candidate A's resume and see that it's somewhat basic, with just enough information to make its point.

But then I'm going to pick up Candidate B's resume, and I'm going to immediately be drawn into their story. I'm going to see their passion for solving client problems. I'm going to see them quickly shifting gears and moving from project to project because the company's strategy and priorities have changed. I'm going to read their best accomplishments and picture Candidate B within my own company, carrying their accomplishments and knowledge and insights to my team. 

It's that picture, formed from the story, becoming implanted in the hiring manager's mind, that becomes the value-add of a resume in today's job market.

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