I Read 2,216 Resumes. Here’s How You Stand Out 🚀

Summary

In this video, viewers are guided through essential tips for landing their next job. Key strategies include customizing resumes for each application, networking effectively, and demonstrating a proactive mindset through personal projects or side hustles. The importance of showcasing a unique value proposition and leveraging relationships with high-performing individuals, or 'A players,' is highlighted. By actively building skills and experience outside of traditional roles, job seekers can stand out and create opportunities for themselves, ensuring they are always in demand in the job market.

Takeaways

• 😀 A-players recognize each other, creating a cycle where top performers attract opportunities and recognition.
• 😀 Proactive job seekers should build relevant experience and leverage their side projects to stand out in job applications.
• 😀 Networking is essential; every job application is also an opportunity to meet people who can help you land your next job.
• 😀 Being specific about the role and company you are applying for shows a genuine interest and sets you apart from generic applicants.
• 😀 Your resume should reflect your actual impact, including measurable results and your personal contribution to a project.
• 😀 Side hustles are a great way to build skills, demonstrate initiative, and show potential employers that you're committed to self-improvement.
• 😀 It's crucial to demonstrate personal achievements and growth through your previous work or side projects, even if they aren't directly related to the job.
• 😀 Avoid the trap of over-complicating your job search; being clear, concise, and to the point in your applications increases your chances of success.
• 😀 Continuous learning and taking on new challenges will help you remain adaptable and increase your appeal to employers.
• 😀 Success in job applications is often about standing out from the competition by showing your unique abilities and initiative, both inside and outside your current role.

Q & A

Why is going above and beyond in a job application important?

Going above and beyond in your application shows initiative and creativity, helping you stand out from other candidates. For example, applicants who take extra effort to demonstrate their skills in a personalized way, such as creating a mock newsletter in the employer’s tone, increase their chances of being noticed and remembered by hiring managers.

What mistake do applicants often make when addressing their cover letters?

Applicants often make the mistake of using formal, impersonal greetings such as 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'To Whom It May Concern.' These can come off as too stiff or generic, especially for companies with a casual, friendly vibe. It's better to address the hiring manager by name or use a friendly greeting like 'Hey Ali and team.'

Why is it important to 'pass the vibe check' in a job application?

'Passing the vibe check' means aligning with the culture and tone of the company you're applying to. If the company's vibe is casual and informal, using overly formal language in your application can signal that you don’t understand the company’s culture, which may hurt your chances.

What is the problem with using generic buzzwords in a job application?

Generic buzzwords like 'team player' or 'detail-oriented' without real examples can come off as insincere and unoriginal. Employers prefer candidates who provide specific, concrete examples of how they've demonstrated these skills in past experiences, rather than relying on clichés.

What’s the best approach when you lack experience for a role you’re applying to?

Instead of pretending to have experience you don’t, it's better to be honest. A good approach is to admit you may lack specific experience but explain why you're still a great fit for the role, backed by transferable skills, passion, and eagerness to learn.

How should applicants adjust their writing style when applying for jobs?

Applicants should aim to write clearly and conversationally, avoiding unnecessarily complex words. Following guidelines from writers like George Orwell, who advises using simple, clear language, is effective. The goal is to sound like a natural, clear communicator rather than trying to sound overly intellectual.

How should applicants balance enthusiasm in their job applications?

While enthusiasm is important, excessive gushing can come across as inauthentic or overbearing. A good balance is to show genuine interest without going over the top. For example, expressing excitement and admiration for the company is fine, but it’s important to focus on what you can bring to the role as well.

What role does attention to detail play in job applications?

Attention to detail is crucial in job applications, as small mistakes like typos can lead to your application being discarded. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who show care and precision, so it's important to proofread your materials and use tools like Grammarly to avoid basic errors.

How can sending a video application enhance your chances?

Sending a video with your application helps humanize you as a candidate, making you stand out from the sea of resumes. It allows the employer to see your personality and enthusiasm, and demonstrates that you’re willing to go the extra mile. It’s a simple but effective way to capture attention and showcase your communication skills.

What is the ultimate tip for landing a job, according to Ali Abdaal?

The ultimate tip is to do whatever job you’re currently in really well. Consistently performing at a high level will not only earn you a great reputation but also lead to networking opportunities with other high-performing individuals, ultimately making it easier to find future job opportunities.