My job is people. I am out there every day resourcing them, meeting them, assessing them, validating them and eventually – I have to refer them. One of the reasons I chose this new career is people. I enjoy the people part of this business more than anything else. Meeting people professionally is different than meeting them personally. There is a definite distinction between the two and I think I recognize that very well.
Professionally, I look for a variety of qualities that help me determine who they are and what their core is. Qualities that I look for first are someone that is both smart and articulate.
If I represent someone or if I am considering representing someone and eventually put them in front of a client – they have to be both smart and articulate. ‘Smarticulate’.
There are 2 things that you get with someone that is ‘smarticulate’ – Active and Passive Knowledge.
They will have a skill for ‘using’ and ‘understanding’ language. It’s essential that you establish these qualities and make sure they are specific to the industry and the skill sets necessary to get the job done.
‘Smarticulate’ enables you to process quickly. Having a solid command for the language of your industry reduces learning curves, maximizes the use of time, will increase productivity and efficiency. That’s essential to any workflow. If you can find a good manager that is ‘smarticulate’ – you are extremely lucky.
Nimble or being agile enough to think on your feet is significant to the day to day problem solving process. If you can’t find resolution quickly – you are neither smart nor articulate and should consider doing something other than what you are currently doing. Smart helps you discover and identify the problem. Articulate will help you communicate to the team in a clear and meaningful way how to target a solution. That’s an effective and efficient way to keep the moving parts moving. At the end of the day – that’s what it’s all about. Moving the parts and making sure they are moving in the right direction.
I think a good resume tells us many things about a person. The work history is there, but to really get inside their head and understand who they are – you need face time. Conversation and an open dialogue will demonstrate, in a heartbeat, if this person is ‘smarticulate’. Also – keep an eye out for ‘smartitude.’