Experience vs. objectivity

What matters more in the modern office?

A long list of recent relevant jobs, big titles, and expensive projects -or- the simple, but not easy to master, ability to be objective in the face of daunting problems?

I'm starting to think objectivity. And, here's why; companies need an employee that when faced with a new problem can sit back, get some perspective and attack the problem from a creative and innovative angle.

With markets rapidly changing everyday, you just can't solve problems the same way you did the last time (or like you did at the last job you had). The solutions need to be dynamic, not static. Evolutions of the climate that created them, not a re-application of a tried standard.

The problem is, how can you prove this to companies in the application process? How can you let them know that in the heat of battle, you'll be calm, cool and collected? That, even though you don't have a lot of years under your belt, you are still what they need?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. How have you tried to stand out in your application process? Or, better yet, once you've been hired? -Reed

Comments

[Danielle Dodson]

I'm bilingual, and for whatever reason, whether I'm qualified or not (usually the case), I always get the second interview, and usually offered the job. I'm also a Bioinformatics major, which usually gives them the impression that somehow, I am over qualified for the job, just because I study something they could/would never want to understand.

I'm not sure if it is what I've done, or where I'm going that makes the most difference ...