From ed462a2b7afba673d12fb016e0aa748a48c834a5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Evan d'Entremont Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:10:44 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] copyediting --- pages/posts/[lang]/[slug].js | 23 +++++++++++++++++++++-- posts/en/bootstraps.md | 35 ++++++++++++++--------------------- posts/en/credentialism.md | 2 +- posts/en/hal_9000.md | 16 ++++++++-------- posts/en/jobnotfound.md | 8 ++++---- posts/en/sprint_of_marx.md | 23 ----------------------- posts/en/ten_seconds.md | 23 +++++++++++------------ 7 files changed, 59 insertions(+), 71 deletions(-) diff --git a/pages/posts/[lang]/[slug].js b/pages/posts/[lang]/[slug].js index ede2932..42e6362 100644 --- a/pages/posts/[lang]/[slug].js +++ b/pages/posts/[lang]/[slug].js @@ -10,6 +10,22 @@ import hljs from 'highlight.js'; import 'highlight.js/styles/github.css'; // Highlight.js theme for syntax highlighting import Link from 'next/link'; import PostsList from '../../../components/PostsList'; // Import PostsList component +import { visit } from 'unist-util-visit'; // Import the package properly + +// Custom Remark Plugin to modify header levels +const customHeaderPlugin = () => { + return (tree) => { + visit(tree, 'heading', (node) => { + const depth = node.depth; + + // Map header levels to h2, h3, h4, or h5 + if (depth === 1) node.tagName = 'h2'; // # to

+ else if (depth === 2) node.tagName = 'h3'; // ## to

+ else if (depth === 3) node.tagName = 'h4'; // ### to

+ else if (depth === 4) node.tagName = 'h5'; // #### to

+ }); + }; +}; export async function getStaticPaths() { const paths = []; @@ -81,8 +97,11 @@ export async function getStaticProps({ params }) { const stats = fs.statSync(filePath); // Get file stats const updatedAt = stats.mtime; // Get the last modified time of the file - // Convert markdown to HTML - const processedContent = await remark().use(html).process(content); + // Convert markdown to HTML with custom headers transformation + const processedContent = await remark() + .use(customHeaderPlugin) // Use the custom plugin to transform headers + .use(html) // Convert the markdown content to HTML + .process(content); const htmlContent = processedContent.toString(); return { diff --git a/posts/en/bootstraps.md b/posts/en/bootstraps.md index 377587b..24df1e0 100644 --- a/posts/en/bootstraps.md +++ b/posts/en/bootstraps.md @@ -9,11 +9,12 @@ We’ve all heard the glorified tales of Silicon Valley startups—the lone geni The idea of the "garage startup" in the Bay Area is particularly ironic. If you're tinkering away in a garage in Palo Alto or San Francisco, that means you already own a home in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world. The very fact that you have a garage is a symbol of immense privilege. And that’s just the beginning. +## Steal. Everything. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, recently told Stanford students steal everything and let the lawyers sort it out if you're successful. Let’s explore how some of the most iconic startups owe much of their success to luck, parents' money, and bending the rules—or outright cheating. -## Uber: A Better Product Built on Ignoring the Law +### Uber: A Better Product Built on Ignoring the Law Uber revolutionized transportation and made getting a ride as easy as a tap on your phone. But its rise wasn’t just about innovation—it was about blatantly ignoring taxi laws for years. Breaking the rules: Uber launched its service without complying with the regulations that traditional taxi companies had to follow—driver licensing, insurance requirements, and background checks. They expanded rapidly by operating in this legal gray zone, forcing cities to deal with them after they’d already established a massive user base. @@ -22,7 +23,7 @@ Why it worked: By the time regulators realized what was happening, Uber had gain There’s no denying Uber provides a better, cheaper, and more convenient service than traditional taxis in many ways. But it’s also true that the company’s meteoric rise was built on breaking the law for years. -## Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook’s Roots in a Hack +### Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook’s Roots in a Hack Facebook has transformed the way we communicate and connect, but its origin story isn’t the pure stroke of genius it’s often portrayed as. In reality, Facebook’s roots trace back to Mark Zuckerberg hacking into Harvard’s student database to create a site called “FaceMash,” where users could rate their classmates' looks. This act of hacking wasn’t just unethical; it violated university policies and led to disciplinary action. Breaking rules, again: Even after Facebook launched, Zuckerberg’s approach to user privacy was cavalier at best, with the company continuously facing scandals over how it handled personal data. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where millions of users' data was harvested without consent, is just one example of Facebook’s long-standing practice of exploiting user data for growth. @@ -31,7 +32,12 @@ Why it worked: Facebook grew so fast by pushing boundaries and ignoring privacy So while Facebook is undeniably innovative, its rise is also a story of rule-breaking and a disregard for privacy from the start. -## Amazon: Built on a Quarter-Million-Dollar Loan from Mom and Dad +## The Mythical Bay Area Garage Startup +The "garage startup" is one of the most enduring myths of Silicon Valley, but in places like Palo Alto, owning a garage is a symbol of immense wealth. The median home price in the Bay Area hovers around $1.5 million, making the notion of a "scrappy garage startup" somewhat absurd. If you have the resources to own a home in one of the priciest real estate markets in the world, you’re already starting with significant financial privilege. + +Why it matters: The garage startup narrative romanticizes the struggle of entrepreneurship while ignoring the underlying wealth and security that enables these founders to take risks in the first place. It's not really "starting from nothing" if you own a million-dollar asset. + +### Amazon: Built on a Quarter-Million-Dollar Loan from Mom and Dad Jeff Bezos is often portrayed as the ultimate startup success story—launching Amazon from his garage and growing it into the world’s largest retailer. But there’s one crucial detail that’s often glossed over: Bezos’ parents gave him a $250,000 loan to help get Amazon off the ground. Financial privilege: A quarter-million dollars is no small sum, and for most aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s an amount they can only dream of. That kind of money provides a massive safety net, allowing Bezos to take risks and focus on long-term growth without the immediate pressure of turning a profit. @@ -40,7 +46,7 @@ Why it worked: With family financial backing, Bezos could afford to prioritize g The narrative of Amazon’s scrappy beginnings in a garage conveniently leaves out the fact that Bezos had a quarter-million-dollar cushion that gave him an enormous advantage. -## Elon Musk: From an Emerald Mine to Tech Empire +### Elon Musk: Heir to an Emerald Mine Elon Musk is hailed as a self-made billionaire who defied the odds to build companies like Tesla and SpaceX. But the story isn’t quite that simple. Musk’s father owned an emerald mine in apartheid-era South Africa, a period marked by systemic racial oppression and vast disparities in wealth. Privileged beginnings: While Musk is undeniably brilliant and hard-working, his early life wasn’t one of hardship. His father’s wealth provided him with a financial cushion that most people don’t have, allowing him to take big risks that others might not have been able to afford. @@ -49,22 +55,9 @@ Why it worked: Musk had the freedom to fail, which is crucial in the world of st Despite his claims of coming from humble beginnings, Musk’s story is one of privilege built on the economic inequalities of apartheid-era South Africa. -# The Bay Area Garage Startup: A Symbol of Privilege -The "garage startup" is one of the most enduring myths of Silicon Valley, but in places like Palo Alto, owning a garage is a symbol of immense wealth. The median home price in the Bay Area hovers around $1.5 million, making the notion of a "scrappy garage startup" somewhat absurd. If you have the resources to own a home in one of the priciest real estate markets in the world, you’re already starting with significant financial privilege. - -Why it matters: The garage startup narrative romanticizes the struggle of entrepreneurship while ignoring the underlying wealth and security that enables these founders to take risks in the first place. It's not really "starting from nothing" if you own a million-dollar asset. - -# The Dark Side of the Startup Dream -The tech world loves to promote the image of the lone genius, hustling against all odds to build a billion-dollar company. But the reality is far more complicated. Behind many of these success stories, you’ll find a combination of luck, family money, and rule-breaking. - -Luck: Being in the right place at the right time plays an enormous role in startup success. Uber wouldn’t be Uber without the rise of smartphones and GPS technology. Facebook wouldn’t have scaled as it did without the explosive growth of social media. - -Parents' Money: From Jeff Bezos' family loan to Elon Musk's privileged beginnings, financial backing from family is a common thread that runs through many of these stories. For many so-called self-made entrepreneurs, the ability to take risks came from knowing they had a financial safety net. - -Cheating: Whether it's breaking laws like Uber, hacking student data like Zuckerberg, or exploiting workers through gig economy loopholes, many tech startups have cut ethical corners to gain a competitive edge. - +## The Dark Side of the Startup Dream +The tech industry often celebrates the image of the solitary genius, tirelessly working against all odds to build a billion-dollar empire. However, the truth is much more complex. Behind many of these success stories lies a blend of luck, family wealth, and bending the rules. -# It’s Time to Acknowledge the Privilege Behind Startup Success -The "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality is deeply ingrained in the American entrepreneurial dream, but for many of today’s tech giants, success came not from grit alone, but from luck, privilege, and cheating the system. While these companies have undeniably changed the world, it’s essential to recognize the unspoken advantages that helped them along the way. +The "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mindset is a cornerstone of the American entrepreneurial dream, but for many of today's tech titans, their success wasn’t just driven by determination—it was shaped by luck, privilege, and exploiting the system. While these companies have certainly made a global impact, it's important to acknowledge the hidden advantages that played a role in their rise. -The next time you hear about the billionaire founder who started from nothing in a garage, remember: if that garage is in the Bay Area, they weren’t starting from nothing at all. \ No newline at end of file +So, the next time you hear about a billionaire founder who "started from nothing" in a garage, remember this: if that garage was in the Bay Area, they weren’t starting from scratch at all. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/posts/en/credentialism.md b/posts/en/credentialism.md index 01ba757..872c38a 100644 --- a/posts/en/credentialism.md +++ b/posts/en/credentialism.md @@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Throughout my career, I’ve driven policy and architecture for one of the large 3. **Real-World Problem Solving**: My background in designing electronics and firmware positions me as a practical problem solver. This hands-on knowledge often proves more beneficial than theoretical learning, especially in an industry driven by innovation. -# The Employer Market Perspective +## The Employer Market Perspective However, the reality shifts when considering the employer market. In many fields, especially those with a high demand for specialized skills, employers may still favor candidates with degrees. This inclination stems from several factors: diff --git a/posts/en/hal_9000.md b/posts/en/hal_9000.md index 2b5be25..3dda205 100644 --- a/posts/en/hal_9000.md +++ b/posts/en/hal_9000.md @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ Let's dive into how ChatGPT’s decisions stack up against those of real-life le ![Victorian Steampunk Hal 9000](/images/hal_9000.webp "Hal 9000") -# Challenges and Considerations +## Challenges and Considerations AI government begs many questions, especially when it comes to ethics, human empathy, and practical issues. [Is it ethical](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/10/ethical-concerns-mount-as-ai-takes-bigger-decision-making-role/) for AI to make decisions that affect people’s lives. AI doesn’t understand human emotions or experiences the way people do. Can it handle complex social problems properly? Should a machine decide things that deeply impact individuals when it can’t truly understand their feelings? Do the feelings of the few outweigh the needs of the many? @@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ There are also practical challenges with using AI in politics. One major issue i AI’s role in addressing special interests and social issues is also complex. While AI [might avoid favoritism](https://news.mit.edu/2022/how-ai-can-help-combat-systemic-racism-0316) and act fairly, it could miss out on the specific needs of different groups, or even [perpetuate injustice](https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/12/10/1013617/racism-data-science-artificial-intelligence-ai-opinion/). For example, AI might challenge local “not in my backyard” attitudes by focusing on broader societal benefits rather than [individual concerns](https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/wtf/highway-guangzhou-nail-house-china-544256.html). It might also help fight systemic issues like racism by promoting fair policies based on data rather than past biases. -# Overview of Historical Cases +## Overview of Historical Cases When evaluating how algorithms stack up against personal experience, gut instincts, and loyalty, it's crucial to understand the [fundamental differences](https://www.harvardbusiness.org/data-and-intuition-good-decisions-need-both/) between data-driven decision-making and human judgment. Human traits are shaped by individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and emotional responses. @@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ Algorithms, such as those used in AI, rely on [vast amounts of data to identify To explore these differences in practical terms, let’s look at three real-life examples of city leadership decisions and how they could contrast with AI-driven approaches: -## 1. San Francisco Same-Sex Marriage +### 1. San Francisco Same-Sex Marriage In 2004, San Francisco’s [decision to issue same-sex marriage licenses](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/lesbian-and-gay-couples-san-francisco-are-granted-marriage-licenses), despite their lack of legal recognition at the state level, became a defining moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. This pivotal action brought to light the intricate balance between legal constraints, civil rights advocacy, and public opinion. By comparing the real-world actions taken by San Francisco with a roleplayed hypothetical approach, we gain valuable insights into how different strategies address such complex issues. @@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ AI chose more or less the the same approach: While San Francisco’s real-world actions in 2004 were groundbreaking and impactful, the AI offered a more detailed and strategic framework for addressing complex social and legal challenges. -## 2. Chicago Race Riots +### 2. Chicago Race Riots During the [Chicago Race Riots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Chicago_riots) of 1968, the city experienced severe unrest following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The riots, fueled by longstanding racial tensions, economic disparities, and systemic discrimination, involved widespread violence, looting, and arson. The crisis posed a significant challenge for city officials. @@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Rather than repeat the entire conversation; the key differences are outlined: AI offered a more nuanced strategy for managing civil unrest. By prioritizing non-lethal methods, transparency, and community engagement, it aimed to address both immediate needs and underlying issues. While historical responses focused on immediate stabilization, the AI approach could have fostered a more constructive relationship between authorities and the community. -## 3. New York City Sugar Tax +### 3. New York City Sugar Tax The [obesity epidemic](https://www.who.int/activities/controlling-the-global-obesity-epidemic) is a major public health issue which significantly contributes to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Finding effective policy measures to address this issue involves navigating complex challenges, including public resistance, political dynamics, and practical implementation. @@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ Using lessons learned in [Mexico](https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/look By incorporating gradual implementation, comprehensive communication, proactive stakeholder engagement, and transparent revenue allocation, AI attempted to address the shortcomings of the real-world strategy. It provided a potentially effective framework for overcoming resistance, building support, and ultimately achieving the public health goals associated with a soda tax. -# Who Decides Right and Wrong? +## Who Decides Right and Wrong? Understanding that our values and morals change over time is important when thinking about how AI could help govern society. Even today things like [slavery](https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/findings/global-findings/), making being [LGBTQ+ illegal](https://ilga.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02_ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2016_ENG_WEB_150516.pdf), and [beating children](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_of_minors_in_the_United_States), are still accepted in many places. What we think is right or wrong can shift, and any AI that helps make decisions would need to reflect the values of its time, not just follow a set rulebook. @@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ It would be foolish to declare we’re at the peak of moral understanding. Our c The goal should be to make sure AI can, over time, drive society to be the best it can be. -# The Future of AI in Governance +## The Future of AI in Governance The integration of AI into governance and policy-making is an exciting and rapidly evolving area that could reshape how societies are managed. AI is already making waves in various governance tasks, such as [analyzing public sentiment](https://politicalmarketer.com/ai-techniques-for-effective-public-opinion-tracking/), [predicting economic trends](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/using-ai-in-economic-development-challenges-and-opportunities), and [optimizing resource allocation](https://www.ciodive.com/spons/ai-resource-management-a-new-era-of-productivity/702632/). Governments are increasingly [adopting AI](https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/digital-government/digital-government-innovations/responsible-use-ai.html) to [handle large amounts of data](https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/how-ai-tools-can-help-governments-understand-and-manage-data), [inform policy decisions](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/how-artificial-intelligence-will-transform-decision-making/), and [improve administrative efficiency](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2199853124001239). For example, AI-driven tools help [identify crime hotspots](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291122000961) and [streamline bureaucratic processes](https://www.turing.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-03/ai_for_bureaucratic_productivity.pdf), making public services more responsive and efficient. @@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ Moreover, as AI takes on a larger role in governance, there will be an increasin In this evolving landscape, AI's potential to drive societal progress is substantial. From real-time decision-making to more interactive and inclusive governance models, AI could significantly enhance how societies are managed. -# Conclusion +## Conclusion In considering the role of AI in governance, the potential benefits are clear. AI systems, driven by data and potentially devoid of personal biases, may offer a level of consistency and impartiality that can enhance decision-making processes. With the ability to analyze vast amounts of information quickly, AI can identify patterns and insights that might be missed by human leaders. This capability allows for well-informed, evidence-based decisions that could drive more effective policy outcomes. diff --git a/posts/en/jobnotfound.md b/posts/en/jobnotfound.md index 7c12c16..3a4eb5d 100644 --- a/posts/en/jobnotfound.md +++ b/posts/en/jobnotfound.md @@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ Applying for jobs can feel a lot like interacting with a broken piece of softwar In software, when a user encounters an error, they get a sanitized message that hides the gritty details of what went wrong. Internally, the system logs a full, detailed error report so engineers can troubleshoot the problem. This same dynamic exists in the hiring process: companies know why a candidate didn’t make the cut, but they rarely share that information. The error logs are internal, leaving the candidate to face a vague, opaque rejection. -# Treating candidates like bad actors +## Treating candidates like bad actors Why do companies insist on keeping candidates in the dark? [It’s mostly about legal protection](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240123-why-employers-are-stingy-with-job-interview-feedback). By withholding specific feedback, companies protect themselves from potential lawsuits. The thinking goes: if a candidate knows why they were rejected, they could use that information to claim bias or discrimination. So, rather than risk that, companies sanitize their rejections, leaving candidates guessing about what went wrong. @@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ But this approach is fundamentally hostile. Just like software engineers sanitiz Treating everyone like a potential liability creates an unnecessarily adversarial process. The lack of transparency not only frustrates job seekers, but also damages a company’s brand and reputation among future applicants. Candidates aren't the enemy; they're people trying to grow and improve. Just like debugging software, offering clear and constructive feedback helps both sides move forward productively. -# If you’re going to copy Google, stay up to date +## If you’re going to copy Google, stay up to date What makes this situation even more frustrating is that many companies blindly copy hiring practices from industry giants like Google, even when those practices are outdated. Companies adopt Google’s use of algorithm-heavy interviews or vague rejection processes because, well, if it worked for Google, it must work for everyone, right? @@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ But here’s the catch: [**Google moved away from a lot of these practices becau So if you’re going to copy Google, at least stay up to date. Google has learned from its mistakes and adapted its hiring process. The same should apply to companies that model themselves after tech giants. If Google discovered that vague error messages and poorly designed interview processes don’t work, maybe it’s time for others to learn from that. -# Breaking the cycle: moving toward constructive feedback +## Breaking the cycle: moving toward constructive feedback The vague rejection emails, like error messages, don’t help anyone. Just as developers need detailed logs to fix broken code, candidates need specific, actionable feedback to understand where they fell short. @@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ Some companies have started to recognize the value of providing feedback while s Google itself has made strides in providing constructive feedback after technical interviews, with recommendations on specific areas for improvement. If companies are going to borrow from Google’s playbook, they should follow the more current, transparent practices—not the outdated ones that don't serve either side. -# A call for change +## A call for change Hiring rejections shouldn’t feel like cryptic error messages. Candidates aren’t unsanitized input that needs to be neutralized. They’re people, and they deserve more transparency in the hiring process. Companies that treat job seekers with respect and offer meaningful, constructive feedback will not only foster better relationships with candidates but will also attract top talent by building a reputation for fairness. diff --git a/posts/en/sprint_of_marx.md b/posts/en/sprint_of_marx.md index f499c17..e95b535 100644 --- a/posts/en/sprint_of_marx.md +++ b/posts/en/sprint_of_marx.md @@ -29,29 +29,6 @@ Bugs are a major headache in software development. They’re sneaky, chaotic, an This unpredictability is why bugs should be dealt with before new features are added. If bugs aren’t fixed right away, they pile up and make the system fragile and hard to maintain. Agile’s focus on adding new features can turn the codebase into a house of cards—fragile and complex, where even small issues can cause everything to collapse. This builds up technical debt and slows down future development while increasing the risk of serious failures. -[Joel Spolsky lists 12 key practices](https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/08/09/the-joel-test-12-steps-to-better-code/) that separate strong teams from those at risk of creating such a fragile system: - - ->1. Do you use source control? ->2. Can you make a build in one step? ->3. Do you make daily builds? ->4. Do you have a bug database? ->5. Do you fix bugs before writing new code? ->6. Do you have an up-to-date schedule? ->7. Do you have a spec? ->8. Do programmers have quiet working conditions? ->9. Do you use the best tools money can buy? ->10. Do you have testers? ->11. Do new candidates write code during their interview? ->12. Do you do hallway usability testing? - - -These practices are still [widely considered essential for software quality and stability](https://dev.to/checkgit/the-joel-test-20-years-later-1kjk). While some practices, like using source control and making daily builds, are within a team’s control, others are influenced by external factors. Agile, when misapplied, often makes these challenges worse. - -For example, maintaining an up-to-date schedule, having a clear spec, managing a bug database, and prioritizing bug fixes can all be affected by Agile. The constant push to deliver new features can lead to chaotic schedules, unclear specs, and a backlog of unresolved bugs. Agile can undermine these essential practices, pushing teams to sacrifice long-term quality for short-term gains. - -Other important practices—like providing quiet work conditions, using top-notch tools, and doing usability testing—are often out of the team’s control. These factors are crucial for long-term success but are often overlooked in Agile environments where short-term delivery is prioritized. - When these foundational practices are compromised, the result is a fragile codebase that resembles a house of cards. Each new feature added without fixing underlying issues increases the risk of collapse. Agile, when it focuses on speed over quality, can turn a solid product into a shaky structure vulnerable to even minor disturbances. ## The Tyranny of Flexibility diff --git a/posts/en/ten_seconds.md b/posts/en/ten_seconds.md index 3c99cec..d1d2300 100644 --- a/posts/en/ten_seconds.md +++ b/posts/en/ten_seconds.md @@ -5,17 +5,17 @@ description: This article critiques the common practice of spending only 7-10 se In the fast-paced world of recruitment, the common mantra is that hiring managers spend a mere [7 to 10 seconds](https://hbr.org/2020/09/how-to-get-your-resume-noticed-and-out-of-the-trash-bin) reviewing each resume. This practice has become standard, leading many to question whether such a brief evaluation truly captures the essence of a candidate's qualifications. As someone who has navigated the hiring process both as a job seeker and a hiring manager, I have a hard time believing that this timeframe is anything better than chance. -# The Case Against the 10-Second Rule +## The Case Against the 10-Second Rule -## Superficial Evaluation +### Superficial Evaluation When hiring managers skim resumes for less than 10 seconds, they inevitably miss critical details that could differentiate one candidate from another. This approach encourages a focus on superficial indicators—such as buzzwords or company names—rather than a deeper understanding of a candidate’s actual accomplishments and potential fit for the role. Imagine you’re a recruiter sifting through hundreds of resumes. In 10 seconds, you might glance at the job title, the company, and a few bullet points. However, can you truly assess the value of a candidate’s experience or their unique contributions in that fleeting moment? It’s unlikely. -## Better Than Chance? +### Better Than Chance? The idea that recruiters can reliably select strong candidates in such a short time frame seems dubious. With limited time to form a judgment, they often resort to biases or gut feelings. This reliance on quick assessments can lead to overlooking qualified candidates simply because their resumes didn’t stand out within that brief window. -# The Numbers Behind the Process +## The Numbers Behind the Process Let’s put this 7-10 second rule into perspective. If a recruiter receives **200 resumes** for a single position and spends an average of **10 seconds** on each, that amounts to: @@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ $$ That’s roughly **33 minutes** of total resume review time—just for one role. If the recruiter has **15 open positions**, they’re looking at around **8 hours** of total time dedicated just to skimming resumes. In a typical workday, this could mean that recruiters spend nearly an entire day merely glancing at resumes, without truly engaging with the content. -# A Fundamental Piece of the Recruitment Process +## A Fundamental Piece of the Recruitment Process This approach to resume review raises a critical concern: the initial evaluation of candidates is a fundamental piece of the entire recruitment process. It is the very first step that sets the stage for everything that follows. If this step is rushed or undervalued, it can lead to significant repercussions throughout the hiring cycle. @@ -41,30 +41,29 @@ This approach to resume review raises a critical concern: the initial evaluation * **Setting the Tone for Engagement**: A thoughtful approach to resume screening can foster a more respectful and engaging process for candidates. When applicants feel that their resumes are being read with care, it enhances their overall experience and perception of the company. -# The Shotgun Approach to Applications +## The Shotgun Approach to Applications In today’s job market, many candidates resort to "shotgunning" their resumes—submitting the same resume to multiple positions across different companies in hopes of getting a response. This phenomenon arises partly because candidates often don’t receive feedback from their applications. When resumes aren’t reviewed thoroughly, qualified candidates become discouraged and turn to mass applications as a last resort. As a result, an arms race emerges. Candidates begin crafting AI-driven resumes tailored to pass through automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) rather than reflecting their true capabilities. This, in turn, pushes hiring managers to rely more heavily on AI tools, further dehumanizing the process and making it more challenging for genuine talent to shine through. -# The Harvard Resume Effect +## The Harvard Resume Effect It’s no surprise that the so-called “Harvard resume”—a simple, clean, and structured format—tends to get better results. Why is that? It all comes down to the way information is presented. When recruiters know exactly where to look, they can quickly glean the most pertinent information. -## Saving Time = More Words +### Saving Time = More Words Let’s break it down: if a recruiter saves just one second by using a familiar format, that precious second can translate into an additional five words read. In a world where every word counts, this small advantage can make all the difference. A resume that clearly highlights metrics and accomplishments will likely stand out more effectively than one cluttered with irrelevant information. The standardized format allows recruiters to focus on key areas that align with their needs. They can quickly identify whether a candidate’s experience matches the job requirements and whether they have the quantifiable achievements that demonstrate their impact. -# The Need for a Reevaluation +## The Need for a Reevaluation This raises a critical question: should the recruitment process continue to rely on a 7-10 second review? If we acknowledge that this approach is fundamentally flawed, it becomes imperative to explore alternative methods that prioritize a more thorough evaluation. -## Rethinking the Process Recruiters might benefit from adopting a more balanced strategy—one that allows for a more in-depth initial review while still maintaining efficiency. Consider integrating technology, such as AI tools, that can highlight key qualifications based on the job description. This can help streamline the review process without sacrificing the quality of evaluation. -# Conclusion +## Conclusion -In conclusion, the 7-10 second resume review is not only insufficient but also potentially detrimental to the hiring process. As someone who values a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to recruitment, I believe that we must move beyond quick assessments based on chance. Emphasizing clarity in resume formats and allowing for a more substantial review period will lead to better hiring outcomes for both candidates and employers. +The 7-10 second resume review is not only insufficient but also potentially detrimental to the hiring process. As someone who values a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to recruitment, I believe that we must move beyond quick assessments based on chance. Emphasizing clarity in resume formats and allowing for a more substantial review period will lead to better hiring outcomes for both candidates and employers. Let’s challenge the status quo and strive for a recruitment process that values depth over speed—after all, a well-crafted resume deserves more than a cursory glance. Investing time in this initial step is crucial; it lays the foundation for successful hiring and sets the tone for the rest of the recruitment journey. It’s time to end this arms race in the recruitment landscape and foster a more equitable, engaging, and effective hiring process.