3 Techniques to Make Your Resume Stand Out

There’s nothing like adding distinctive talents to your resume to help you stand out from the other candidates sitting in the same stack of resumes. But how do you find those skills that prove you’re unique? And how do you choose which ones to list? Here are some tips to help you decide: 1. Look to Your Hobbies You may be surprised to discover that your hobbies are a great place to begin looking for some of your unique abilities. Very often, dedication to your passion transfers easily to a job. For instance, if you’re a part-time dance instructor, this proficiency could showcase your ability to lead others in a work environment. 2. Think About Your Volunteer Efforts The same goes for your volunteer efforts. If you spend time building houses for Habitat for Humanity, you not only bring dedication to the table—in the eyes of an employer, you come with a big heart—something a hiring manager just might be looking for. 3. Ask Your Friends and Family Your friends and family may also be able to give you some insight into areas of expertise you’ve forgotten about. For example, your old roommate could remind you that while you were in college you volunteered briefly for a teen hotline. And although the stint may not have been a long one, it shows your compassion and could push you over the hump—depending on the employer. You are a matchless person who brings plenty to the table as a job candidate. Show off those irreplaceable skills that make you stand out from the dozens of other candidates competing for the same opportunity.