Sital's Blog

Whether you’re trying to secure a new job, new consulting project or contract work, there are two chief ways you differentiate yourself from competitors. You do it by:

a) The results you deliver and

b) The unique way in which you deliver those results (your style, approach, attitude, values, etc)

As a potential employer, I don’t really get an opportunity to assess number 2 until we meet and I get to know you better (…unless you’ve been introduced through a referral who speaks highly of you – which should always be the preferred approach where possible).

So if you’re trying to secure an interview with me and stand out from the crowd of other applicants, you need to be telling me all about number 1 – the results you can deliver and the ways you can help me and my firm.

So instead of being a history of your professional life, your CV/resume needs to showcase the results you’ve delivered to date and the value you’ve created for your employers. Tangible, measureable, commercial outcomes that you’ve a track record of delivering. With percentages, $$$/£££ values, KPIs and other ‘soft’ measures that are credible demonstration of your success to date.

And that’s the big mistake most people make.

Their CV/resume usually reads like an orbituary – a summary of every role, responsibility, education, training, hobbies, favourite holiday destinations, their preferred dessert etc…..

Okay, I labour the point – but you get my drift I hope.

If you want to stand out, then your CV or resume must be heavily focussed on showcasing the problems you’ve solved, the results you’ve delivered and benefits you’re previous employers have accrued from your services.

So don’t get hung up on finding the ideal layout, font, key words, length, style and all those things that many people over think when CV writing. Instead I suggest you focus on one big thing: make it much more about  what you’ve delivered and much less about everything single thing you’ve done to date.

When you do it in a way that is tailored to the needs of a specific role and the needs of a potential employer (or range of employers if writing to recruiters) you start avoiding the mistake which I see so many job seekers make and maximise the chances of you securing an interview.

“But what about my experience and education?” you may ask.

Your experience and education aren’t really true differentiators because there will always be someone with similar work experience and qualifications (especially in the current job market). And most of the time there will usually be someone with much more relevant experience and a far better education than you. That’s life.

So focus on the results and value you have delivered and you’ll have a far better chance of having your CV/resume stand out and securing interviews.

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