Ability to Follow Instructions

It has been a hectic few months and I now have time to write up a new post.

Backstory: Over the past few months or so, I have transitioned from a risk coordinator role into a role as talent acquisition partner (still with IBM). Essentially I'm now a fancier termed new graduate recruiter. The transition itself has been interesting, but like most I feel it has been worthwhile and I am now thoroughly enjoying the new challenges and tasks associated with my role.

Present Day:

As you can imagine, I look at resumes. A lot of them. In my initial month and a bit, I can without a doubt claim that I've looked at, read through, and mentally evaluated in excess of 200 resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn. I've looked at some formats and shuddered, and I've looked at some and immediately said yes. I've seen some with about 50 different computer languages and systems listed, and some with 2. How any individual can keep up with so many is beyond me, seeing as I'm barely getting by with English. With all of this in mind, you must be wondering; well how on Earth can one stand out in this crowd? Well there's stellar brand name experiences, the right computer languages, etc. those will always get a second look.

However, there is one line that I have only seen written once, that I hang on to. "The ability to follow instructions". It's very simple, seems mundane, but to me it carried a lot of significance. This candidate was a recent graduate, less than 2 years professional working experience (co-ops and after college work). For me, this simple sentence let me know that they understood what was meant for a new-graduate, entry-level role. This person realized that they need to be able to, yes use their hard skills, but also use the softer skills of working well with superiors and colleagues who have been around for a while. This sentence indicated to me that they were not only willing to do the grunt work usually associated with fresh-starts, but would do so competently and comfortably.

All in all, realize that your time to change the world will come, but you'll need to be able to learn from those around you and follow their guidance and instruction to get there. Being able to follow instruction accurately and timely makes you confident in the eyes of those around you, and ideally makes you a reliable employee. So I leave you with this. When tasks seem 'beneath you' or 'mundane' or 'not at your skill level', do them with as much gusto as you would the tasks at a higher level. Your work will get noticed, and you will have opportunities