Standing Out

Today’s topic is one of the most important aspects of finding a job (do I always say that??). It’s about standing out. There are a lot of ways to stand out. Today I’ll talk specifically about resumes. Hiring managers are receiving hundreds of resumes and cover letters per job opening. More than ever before. What will make yours stand out? What will make the hiring manager read yours? And then more importantly, what will make them follow up with you?

I have reviewed hundreds of resumes in previous careers. And I can tell you exactly what makes a resume stand out and what makes it “just another resume”. Here are a few points on each.

First what makes it “just another resume”:

1. General Objective Statements: “To get a job that utilizes my analytic, team-building and problem solving skills.” That was my original objective statement coming out of college – but that doesn’t cut it anymore. In fact, it’s a turn-off. Only put an objective statement if it is very clear, concise and tells something specific about you and what you are looking for.
2. Fluff and Buzzwords: Stay away from adjectives, “my unparalleled experience with rigorous CMR implementations…” Adjectives are distracting and don’t add anything valuable (fluff). And use buzzwords sparingly only to identify with specific keywords that might help you get the job.
3. Too Much Information: Don’t give 15 bullets on your experience with company xyz. Pick the top 5 and keep them concise. Just like with a novel, you don’t want to bore your reader. Keep them engaged by only highlighting the most important aspects of past work experience.

What makes a resume stand out:

1. Be Yourself: Don’t use words you wouldn’t normally use. Talk like you talk. Don’t try to sound bigger than you are. Being genuine comes through in a resume.
2. Distinguish Yourself: Tougher than it sounds… Figure out ONE thing that you have done in the past that is unique. Choose your best accomplishment, and talk about why it makes you unique.
3. Talk About Results: Building a team is great. But what did that team accomplish? Being organized is great. But what did you accomplish by being organized? Make your resume focus on results. And be as specific and quantitative as possible.

Those are just a few tips to get you started. There are other ways to stand out besides on your resume. I’ll look at a few examples in a future blog. But here is one that came up this week. I recently read an article about an Austin TX man who decided to market himself in a new and interesting way. Check out his technique.