Ask Vanessa - How to Distinguish Yourself On Your Resume (Revised March 2021)
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Posted By: Vanessa Morrison on January 31, 2017 The pandemic has certainly caused an unemployment crisis in the United States and worldwide. It has caused many to find unique ways for income or tap into the hidden gifts and talents that have laid dormant, for so many years. As a result, the job market has gotten more competitive in searching for ways to stand out has become the new normal. Everyone today is looking for ways to catch the eye of an employer since you are literally competing against on the average at least 200 sometimes 300 people for one job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the recent unemployment rate stands currently at 6.2%; (Source: data taken from data.bls.gov.) So, what are some out of the box ways you can stand out and get noticed? I will share 3 ways you can use that you can apply today on your resume. 1. Volunteer – It seems like a no-brainer. But in a pandemic; people are looking for ways to level up their skills or find a new trade. What better way to do that is by volunteering? Often overlooked is taking on a new leadership role in what you are passionate about shows an employer a couple of things: a. Initiative – You aren’t waiting on an opportunity for someone to choose you to shine, you will take it wherever you can and shine there. Employers like to see you taking the initiative on something you are passionate in. Chances are if you are passionate in your role as a volunteer that will transfer directly over to the employer. b. Humanity- What employer doesn’t like to see that you are interested in humanity? Whatever the call is for you, an employer does like to see that you are interested in somebody else, or something else. It shows you are not self-centered, great showmanship and in fact some employers give you so many hours to volunteer for a good cause. It is built into their business model; this is usually talked about in new hire orientation or some place it on their website. c. Resume – You can put this on your resume, and call attention to it. Some employers equate this just as much as experience, so if you don’t have any experience, volunteering is one way that will get you there. 2. Organizations – It goes further than just joining an organization, make sure you join an organization that is worth your time, and is lined up with your career goals. If you aren’t sure if you want to join, there are plenty that will let you come to their meeting for the first two free before you decide to join. Some of them even if you are a student or a recent graduate you can join for free. Because we are in a pandemic, a lot of organizations have reduced rates. When you do decide to join, join with a purpose and stay actively involved, networking is priceless. You can also put them on your resume and use them as a reference if you are actively involved. It’s a great thing to use the President, or any leader in the organization as a reference. Especially if you are active in the organization, the President is aware of what you are doing in the organization or someone in leadership is. People do take note of what you are doing and watch from afar. This happened to me twice, I was asked as a member of a learning and development organization that I was a member of to talk about interviewing at one event and at another event I was asked to sit on a panel of Ask the Experts to discuss resumes. 3. Start your own organization or cause-The pandemic has certainly brought out the creativeness for some and caused people to tap into their hidden gifts and talents. This is an excellent time to take control of your own career and maximize your moment in what you have always wanted to do or even transfer those skills you already have and benefit you. Vanessa Morrison is a HR content copywriter specializing in Human Resources, Training and Development and Career Development. She has been in business for 12 years writing resumes and now teaches others and is the author of an E-Book-Resume Reminders-Basic Reminders for your Resume and Maximize Your Job Success Series, most recently; Maximize Your Job Success -Writing Your Resume - 8 Secrets to Get HR’s Attention. You can reach her at hrcontentcopywriter@gmail.com for speaking engagements or writing assignments and more or her LinkedIn url is https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessadmorris... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Vanessa Morrison
CEO, Maximize Your Job Success Member Since July 2015 |
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