What does your Relationship Resume look like?

By: Guest blogger, Jessica West

 
 
What does your Relationship Resume look like?

 I think that it can be safely said that any good resume takes a lot of work.  The same can also be said of the extensive preparation that goes into readying one’s self for an interview.  We create (and most times) re-create the ideal resume.  One meant to attract and engage the potential employer just long enough to consider you for the position.  We take resume “classes”, job readiness courses (aimed at making you the ideal candidate), we do mock interviews, we state our extensive education and/or experience, and we line up our most glowing references.  We get the fresh haircut and buy the new outfit…..and we prep and we prep and we prep, (well, you get the idea!)  In any event, people, everyday in places ALL over the world are going to painstaking measures to “ready” themselves for that dream position.

Do you think that it could be said that we go to the same lengths (jump through the hoops, if you will) to “ready” ourselves for our “relationships” (of any kind)???  We read articles and watch programs about “ideal” relationships and long to partake.  There are countless people, everywhere, currently “submitting resumes” to apply for “positions” (relationships) that they are not quite qualified to fill. When we look at potential mates and enter the dating ritual, you are putting your skills and experience to work.  Are they strong? Can you fill this position and carry out the necessary requirements?  Would you apply for a job/career that you were not qualified to do? Why would you with a relationship then?

Remember all the steps involved in preparing us for employment? Steps designed to set us up for success. Would it not stand to reason that as much preparation, thought and time should be put into potentially the most important “position” of your life?  You would think so anyways.

Companies when reviewing your application, would like to know what training, skills, and assets you possess, that would contribute to the continued growth of their company. How can you contribute to success?

Do you have exceptional communication skills?

Are you a team player?

Do you deal well with change (adaptable)?

Are you skilled in conflict resolution?

Valid questions, all of them. And in an interview you would sell it (yourself). Could you in a relationship?

 

Prior to, or following an interview an employer will contact your references to seek out their opinion of what kind of employee they perceived you to be. Reasonable.  What do your relationship “references” look like? (If realistic) would you want “potential partners” contacting your previous partners?  Would you get a glowing review? What do you think they would say?  Would they ‘highly recommend? (Food for Thought).

As a different spin, let’s talk about the research we do in preparation for an interview.  We find what information we can; to as best we can, determine if the company is a good fit for us…..and us for them.  If someone “researched” your “company” would they even want to apply? What does your benefit package look like?  “Applicants” would like to know that their time with the “company” will be fairly compensated and that they are valued and treated with respect.  They intend to offer their best to the company and would like the security of knowing the company can do the same for them.

No doubt, that any individuals success is first of all determined by their personal measure of success and secondly, the level of effort that they put into their “growth”.  However, when participating in any partnership, individuals would like to feel understood, appreciated and supported.  This ensures optimum growth for all.

People all over the world are preparing, applying and working in the job of their dreams.  Yet, they are feeling confused, disappointed and down right frustrated at unfulfilled dreams of that relationship we all yearn for.  But is it really a mystery? Does the solution REALLY elude us? Not really.  Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.  If we put half as much effort and preparation into our personal relationships as we did getting “job ready”….Imagine the Possibilities!!