Job seekers are beginning to understand the importance of having a well-defined personal brand. However, they still do not carry their brand over into their resumes. As a result, candidates walk into an interview room as just ink on paper. And while they may look the part, their resume may leave the interviewer underwhelmed, and unimpressed.
As you approach your job search, or polish your resume to prepare for a career transition, ask yourself what is it that separates you from the pack? What is it that separates your resume from the stack? And does your resume have a brand consistent with your personal brand? If you don’t know the answer to these questions there is no greater time than now to build your resume brand.
10 Tips To Help Your Resume Stand Out From The Stack
1. Before writing your resume, define three things you want to be known for, then structure your resume with examples that display those attributes.
2. Start your resume by listing your most tangible and transferable skills before you list your individual job duties.
3. When listing your jobs, make sure to detail a specific contribution that you made not just a responsibility that you held.
4. If using an objective, don’t be boring. Use it as an opportunity to draw attention to your most relevant skill and precious real estate to make yourself memorable.
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5. Your resume should tell a story and lead the reader to a natural conclusion about you. Clearly state your intro, your journey, the lessons learned along the way and the conclusion a potential employer should take away about your value and capabilities.
6. Include a separate section that highlights unique personal accomplishments that create instant conversation starters for your interview. ( i.e. list of countries visited, mountains climbed, favorite books)
7. Make a list of five jobs and five industries that you could work in as a result of your resume. If you struggle to make a list, your resume may be too one-dimensional and thus not show transferable skills.
8. Incorporate a direct review of your brand by a reputable source into your resume similar to the quotes provided on the back of books. Don’t just make your references available, showcase them.
9. Create a section that lists key relationships or professional contacts in your network. You are the company that you keep so show them that you are in good hands.
10. Be innovative in how you use your personal email address atop your resume. Your personal email address should make you memorable and brand what you are capable of delivering. Use it wisely. Here’s an example: kaplanisthepersonalbrandingexpert@gmail.com.
Kaplan Mobray wrote "The 10Ks of Personal Branding." He is an Author, Motivational Speaker, Career and Life Coach.
