The resume algorithm
I don’t know about you, but I often feel handcuffed to the algorithm of my resume.
Podcaster, screenwriter, and author Nate DiMeo said, "There is life that exists between the plot points in everybody's life. And in fact, that might be where life really is” (in this conversation).
We usually only see and value the plot points - the major events, milestones, achievements of our lives. These plot points then become the algorithm through which we are seen and evaluated.
All this resonated so much. It shows just how painfully ineffective it is to tell our professional story via a resume, which is essentially a list of plot points.
A resume doesn't reveal the life that exists between the plot points - how we went from one job to the next, what made us go in that direction, and where we actually want to go but could never figure out how.
Nate said that a list of plot points leads to algorithmic thinking - a perfect metaphor. It suggests a subconscious filter based on patterns that lead onlookers to think in certain directions. Like a social media algorithm, we see only what this filter wants us to see.
This validated my own struggle to be seen as an orchestral conductor when the plot points on my resume reflect an opera conductor algorithm.
I wish there was a way to tell the story of how I came to have a 8-year resume gap between my last and next orchestral conducting gig. Or the story of how the experiences I'm most proud of in my life are not represented in the plot points. Or the story of how I'm obsessed with the perfect combination of elegance and depth in Mozart.
The resume algorithm doesn't offer that opportunity - to tell the story of “the life that exists between the plot points.” The current system pretty much guarantees I will continue to be misunderstood and unseen.
I believe we can do better.
Imagine a hiring process that started with a conversation about your life's passions, motivations, and decisions, rather than a review of your resume. In this case, we can be truly known for the life that is in our years.
What would that conversation reveal? There could be questions like:
What unexpected detours did you take?
What were the pivotal moments of learning or growth?
How did your personal values and curiosities shape your career decisions?
What were the challenges you overcame to develop your leadership or problem-solving skills?
What are the things that you are most proud of?
If you're hiring, how would this change your approach? What would those hiring conversations or applications look like?
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