Every new job posting is exciting at first glance, but that excitement is often replaced with discouragement after seeing how many have already applied for said position. With countless applicants piling up for the position you want-how do you keep your own resume from getting lost to the masses?

The important thing to start with is the purpose of the resume. A resume is meant to tell someone not just what you have done, but what you can do and essentially make a case for yourself to get the job. Anyone can make a list of all the jobs they’ve had in the past and slap their name on the top of it, but your resume is likely the first impression a recruiter has of you-don’t bore them. Don’t just present yourself as a potential employee, but as the valuable and unique individual person you are. 

Your individuality is the only thing none of the other applicants have to offer, but you have to present it.  Here are a couple of things you can add to your resume to help you stand out:

Your Personal Power Pitch:

At the top of every resume is a name and contact information, from there, the eyes follow the natural flow of the resume from previous jobs to skills, etc. Your name is the first thing they learn about you, but what if below your name you add a short and powerful sentence about who you are and what you have to give? A power pitch is meant to convey eloquently who you are in a way that sparks curiosity to hear more. It’s a way to turn your name on the top of the paper, into a living and breathing person for the one reading it to learn about. When you take the Quiggle Assessment you are walked through the process of creating your power pitch because we believe that there is a powerful confidence to be found when you know how to present yourself. What is it that you do? Why do you do it? And how do you do it? Finding the right words is vital due to the fact that you only really have space for 1-2 sentences at the top of a resume.

Volunteer Experience:

While it may sound frivolous to include in a job application, volunteer experience allows you to materialize more and more as a real person to the one reading your resume. Remember, the person reading your resume has likely been reading them all day, they’ve seen countless names-and in a pile of names, make them see you as a person. A huge part of the human experience is empathy, when you volunteer you are giving your most valuable asset, time, to a cause you obviously care about. Your volunteer experience makes it clear that you are not just a worker, but a member of a community. Let your volunteer work speak for you in the way it allows your passions and soft spots to be seen. 

Skills AND Achievements:

Typically on your resume there is a space to explain the specific skill sets you possess that can be of value to an employer. This is without a doubt a space on your resume where you can stand out. And while skills are crucial, it can also be useful to mention the things you have achieved in your life either professionally or personally that you’re particularly proud of. What projects have you done in the past that lit your soul on fire? What’s something you excel at in the day to day with others that would add to a workplace environment? Don’t just tell them what you’ve done, but also what you’re proud of. 

Enticing Descriptions of Past Responsibilities:

In the world of resume writing, not everyone comes to it as a copywriter-but if you want to stand out, it may be time to take a couple notes on writing skillfully. Under each previous job you have it’s important to include what your duties were at the time. While it may feel tempting or even logical to simply write down “Handled customer service calls”, the fact of the matter is that a lot of people do just that-but how do YOU do it? What exactly did you do for customers that used to call you? Finding the right adjectives and compelling verbiage to use allows your standard run of the mill duties to stand out. 

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, your resume is your first impression. With so many people gunning for the same positions you are, your best bet is to portray your individuality. Let your resume show who you are and what you care about. What is it that you want this person to know about you? Let yourself be known, not just your skill sets or previous jobs. 

Lead Well,