Differentiating Yourself in a Crowded Job Market

Every year, I meet an array of college graduates with freshly minted degrees spanning fields from HR to IT and everything in between. Their biggest challenge? Standing out in a crowded job market and acing the interview process.

Unless you’ve chosen a well-defined career path—like becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or accountant—your resume risks blending into the sea of sameness. Over the past two decades, I’ve helped thousands of college grads navigate this transition, and I’ve learned what makes a real difference.

Making Your Resume Stand Out

In any given year, thousands of college graduates enter the workforce. Most resumes follow the same cookie-cutter formula—one page, structured neatly, but often devoid of personality or individuality. This approach might land you a few interviews, but to truly shine, your resume should reflect who you are.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Start with a blank sheet of paper. Write down your thoughts on:
   • Who you are.
   • How you became the person you are today.
   • Who you want to be.
   • How you plan to get there.
2. Reflect on your upbringing.
   • How did your parents influence you?
   • What choices in high school and college shaped your path?
   • Why did you choose the schools you attended?

By the time you reach the interview stage, this exercise will have set you apart from others who rely solely on generic templates.

Navigating the Interview

During the interview, weave the following three elements into the conversation:

1. When you were happiest.
   • There’s no need to discuss when you were sad—no one wants to work with someone who dwells on negativity. Focus on the moments that brought you genuine joy and fulfillment.
2. Your most notable achievement.
   • Highlight this both on your resume and during the interview. Use the opportunity to bring the experience to life and showcase your capabilities.
3. The biggest positive decision you’ve ever made.
   • Share how this decision impacted your life and what it taught you. This is your chance to emphasize your ability to meet challenges and succeed, not to recount problems you’ve faced.

The Intangibles Matter

Years ago, I asked our first employee in Rochester to share something she was most proud of—whether it was from third grade or yesterday. She initially froze, but after some thought, she recalled winning a perfect attendance award in high school and another from her college employer for never missing work in four years.

None of this was on her resume. But to us, her dependability was priceless. She was hired on the spot and became a dependable, reliable, and dedicated employee—exactly what we hoped for.

A Story of Dependability

Recently, a friend asked me to advise his daughter, who had spent a year networking and interviewing without any job offers. He described her as his most dependable child, but she was frustrated with the process.

When I asked her if she was dependable, she hesitated before saying yes. I encouraged her to highlight this quality during interviews—the intangible traits that can’t always be captured on paper. A week later, she landed a great job, and two years on, her employer still praises her dependability.

The Final Touch: A Handwritten Thank-You Note

Final Advice: Send a Handwritten Thank You
Think of it as the final touch in Golf, where a good swing (or handshake) is important, but it’s the thoughtful follow-up—whether through a thank-you note or a follow-up email—that seals the deal.

After the interview, don’t forget the thank-you note. Skip the email; a handwritten note, sent the same day with a real stamp, will make a lasting impression. You know, the kind of impression that says, “I’m serious, but I also appreciate the human touch!” And maybe, just maybe, season it with a little beef—because as we saw in that classic cartoon, sometimes it’s not just about what’s on your resume; it’s about what you add to the flavor of the conversation. “Yours is a most impressive résumé, and you’ve scented it with beef.”