Re: The Role of Tools in Getting Work (was: Green TW searching for software advice)

[eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com]

This isn't the first time this subject has come up and in my view is very
similar to the "Should Resumes Use Styles" kerfuffle.

Fine you can learn tools quickly, but why should a hiring manager hire you
instead of someone with the same experience who knows the tool intimately?

It's the same with the styles in resumes thing. If two resumes list the same
experience, doesn't the one that uses style show a little more dedication and
attention to detail? Add to the list any of the other thousands of seemingly
inconsequential HR checkbox items.

Stop bashing HR checklists or labeling hiring managers as clueless. Some are,
perhaps. But in a marketplace where dozens (hundreds) apply for the same job the
'inconsequential' plusses may just be the deciding factor between a number of
otherwise equally talented, experienced, and qualified applicants.

It's so much easier to denigrate the process than look at it from the other
side.

If the market turns around, the requirements will lessen. In a booming job
market there is room for tool monkeys (those who know little about technology),
technology snobs (those who know little about the tools or writing in general),
and even literary hoity-toities (great at writing prose but useless with tools
and technology). In a tight market, you have to be a technological snob of a
tool monkey who can write perfectly.

Your challenge in an interview, on a cover letter, or on a CV/Resume, is to make
sure that you do not come out looking as equally talented, experienced, and
qualified. You must appear exceptionally talented, experienced, and qualified in
some areas to overcome the checkbox tie breakers.

Eric L. Dunn



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