Trash the Template and Distinguish Yourself
Article by Sharon Graham, CRS, CIS, CCS, CPRW, CEIP, Principal Consultant, Graham Management Group
As principal resume strategist for Graham Management Group, I complete
hundreds of complimentary assessments every month. On one particular
day, I received requests for resume reviews from three experienced
sales managers within half an hour of each other. Putting the resumes
alongside each other, I noticed that all three were virtually identical.
Other than the companies that they worked for, there was nothing
to distinguish these highly qualified senior-level professionals.
The structure, formatting, opening statement, and duties all looked
like they came from the very same template. It was no surprise to
learn that each of these individuals had been floundering in an
unsuccessful search for months!
Template resumes will never compete effectively in a competition
for a prime opportunity. Imagine if all three individuals in the
above scenario applied for the same position. We know that management
positions that are broadly advertised attract hundreds of qualified
applicants – and most resumes submitted look alike. Our three
professionals’ templates would blend in perfectly with the
rest of the resumes, and they would not have stood out at all. Instead,
these individuals would have effectively become part of the “template
troop” – the hordes of job seekers that are marching
forward, but not getting very far at all.
There is no question that there are some great examples of resumes
out there in cyberspace. Most job seekers who want to try writing
their own resume don’t know resume strategy, and turn to the
Internet to learn the basics. It is very tempting to download a
resume; however, if online resumes are so darn good and easy to
find, doesn’t it make sense that many job seekers would be
copying them?
Most homemade resumes I receive start something like this: “Results-oriented
professional with x years of experience…” Then they
go on to relate, in copycat wording, the individual’s qualifications.
This is typically followed by a listing of jobs and responsibilities
which, by the way, are the same for any person in that particular
role.
It is understandable that job seekers who don’t know any
better will use templates, but what might shock you is that some
resume writers use this technique also. Resume templates are a handy
solution for writers who want to attract more clients by charging
less. Their goal is to get as many clients as they can and to pump
out as many resumes as possible. Although most of these writers
interview clients and add personalized content, the design of the
resume is virtually indistinguishable from one client’s resume
to another.
There are many reasons that templates don’t work. Here are
just five:
- Using a template, even as a guide, can stunt your creativity.
If you only see things one way, it’s hard to “think
out of the box.”
- The resume writing industry is progressing as quickly as technology
changes. The template that you are using today is probably already
outdated.
- Templates don’t account for strategy. You can’t effectively
address obstacles in your history such as career gaps, career changes,
or anomalies in your career path within the confines of a template.
- Often template wizards that come from software require that certain
sections be filled in. This, of course, won’t work for you
if you don’t have what the template demands.
- It’s often difficult to reformat pre-designed software templates,
so once you have developed your content, you are stuck with what
you reproduced in the first place.
Are you part of the template troop, or does your resume distinguish
you? There is an easy way to check. Do a quick Google search for
“resume template” and see if you can easily find other
resumes that are similar to yours online. If so, it is likely that
you are already integrated into the dreaded troop – and it
is time to break away.
Here are some ways that you can distinguish yourself by creating
a resume that surpasses all the others:
- Instead of relying on resume templates, start with a blank page.
- Forget the “canned” statements and focus on concise,
but creative wording.
- Outline why the employer should hire you instead of other qualified
candidates.
- Show your uniqueness by focusing on attributes that most candidates
don’t offer.
- Impress the reader with the talents that often bring you compliments.
- Instead of chronological or functional format, strategically
position every section.
- Stay away from logging lists of responsibilities, tasks, and
duties.
- Outline only your most impressive accomplishments and show measurable
results.
- Go beyond education and experience to include committees, publications,
and other areas that reinforce your unique value.
- Create a branded design element and look for your resume so
it reflects your professional image.
When you rely on templates, you automatically stunt your ability
to distinguish yourself. If you are merely re-typing what others
use to describe themselves, then you are not describing your unique
talents, qualifications, attributes, achievements, and value.
A thoughtful resume built from scratch will make you stand out.
It will advertise you in a way that shows potential employers your
incomparable worth. A strong resume that effectively advertises
your exceptional value will not only shorten your job search, but
will increase your bottom-line, as many employers will see you as
a superior candidate.
Sharon Graham is principal consultant for Graham Management
Group, executive director of Career Professionals of Canada, and
author of Best Canadian Resumes. Graham Management Group is known
for excellence and innovation in resume, interview, and career strategy.
Sharon assists executives, managers, and experienced professionals
through this leading career consulting firm. You can find further
information and articles directly at www.GrahamManagement.com.
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