When you are a recruiter, you tend to see a lot of resumes over the course of recruiting for one project. At times there are over 100 applicants, all vying for your attention, and it is normal to start a screening process of looking over the qualifications of the different candidates and weeding out people that may not be the best fit.
Silver Spoon vs. Scrapper
Regina Hartley, the current VP of Human Resources with UPS, gave a TED Talk back in September of 2015, all about how the best hire, may not have the best resume.
During her talk, she poses the scenarios of two candidates, both with the same basic qualifications however it is easy to see that Candidate A has been offered more and better opportunity throughout their life. Candidate A has a degree from an Ivy League school, has held a 4.0 GPA, great recommendations and overall a flawless resume. Candidate B has the same degree from a less prestigious State College, a fair amount of job-hopping and has held several odd jobs. Hartley categorizes both of these candidates into two groups, Silver Spoons and Scrappers.
As a self-proclaimed Scrapper, Hartley explains why someone with a less prestigious background, deserves to be considered for a position. She points out that the Scrapper is someone whom has had to fight for where they are and dealt with adversity. The Scrapper is someone that already knows how to bear through tough times and is accustomed to overcoming the odds. The Silver Spoon, while not necessarily unable to deal with adversity, is just not as experienced in doing so.
What Happens Next?
So overall, what would this mean to you?
Well, if you categorize yourself as a Silver Spoon, make sure you can also point out that you are able to deal with adversity. Just because you have been given opportunity, that doesn’t mean you aren’t a hard worker.
If you consider yourself to be a Scrapper, take pride in your resilience, and try to make it a point to focus on your resilience in future interviews.
Overall, employers are looking for potential employees that are willing to go above and beyond, willing to sacrifice, problem solve and be efficient. So be sure, no matter if you consider yourself to be a Silver Spoon, a Scrapper, or neither, you are always striving to be your best at whatever task is thrown your way.
As for something everyone can take something from the points Hartley made: be humble, never be afraid of challenges and treat every obstacle as a chance to prove you are capable of great things. After all, people are more than a simple resume.
You can watch the full TED Talks with Regina Hartley at the following link: https://www.ted.com/talks/regina_hartley_why_the_best_hire_might_not_have_the_perfect_resume?language=en#t-326644
Article Contributions By: Chelsea Vick
Share this:
