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:

1. Instead of relying on resume templates, start with a blank page.
2. Forget the “canned” statements and focus on concise, but creative wording.
3. Outline why the employer should hire you instead of other qualified candidates.
4. Show your uniqueness by focusing on attributes that most candidates don’t offer.
5. Impress the reader with the talents that often bring you compliments.
6. Instead of chronological or functional format, strategically position every section.
7. Stay away from logging lists of responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
8. Outline only your most impressive accomplishments and show measurable results.
9. Go beyond education and experience to include committees, publications, and other areas that reinforce your unique value.
10. 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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