Four Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out – In A Bad Way

Your resume is your first chance to make an impression. Some people add graphics, photos, or attempts at wit that are meant to enhance that impression because, “I want my resume to stand out!”

Stop! Recruiters get hundreds of resumes every year and they are not impressed with embellishments. The resumes that impress them are clean, well-organized, and highlight the experiences and skills that make you valuable in the positions they need to fill. If you really want to stand out, present yourself as a professional who is serious about your career, has done your research, and understands which experiences are relevant.

The resumes with gimmicks actually do stand out and they are memorable — as good for a laugh. But they aren’t taken seriously and they never result in an interview.

Four ways to guarantee your resume will not be taken seriously – but will definitely be remembered:

#1 The Selfie

If your resume is topped with a picture, there is a 95 % chance it will be discarded without being read. And that’s 100 % if the picture is your provocative selfie. It’ll get lots of attention – but not in a good way.

#2 Charts and Graphics

Your resume won’t get past the delete button if it tells your story as a with graphics of any kind.

#3 Too Clever ~ Too Cute

The comment you think is so clever and unique, isn’t to the busy recruiter with a job to fill. Most recruiters only read three or four bullets on a resume before deciding whether to delete the resume. Don’t waste one of those bullets trying to be cute.

#4 Philosophy and Religion

You have the absolute right to your personal beliefs. But if you think your resume is the appropriate place to sermonize, be prepared for rejection. To be clear, never attach a quote, motivational, religious, or poignant, to your resume. This quote was the finish line on a resume for a program assistant position.

The bottom line: Don’t waste space with creativity and gimmicks. To make your resume stand out put all of your energy into writing the clearest, most on-point, and most professional resume you can.