Using Your Personal Voice in a Resume

Google made news recently for ranking as the #1 place to work in the US. The reporter mentioned that the company gets 1000 resumes a day. If we put ourselves in the mind of the reader of those resumes that make the first electronic cut, we might be really glad to get the occasional resume that wasn’t weighted down with “resume speak.” You know what “resume speak” is: the stock phrases you read in most resumes. Many of these phrases are hard to say other ways, and many are necessary keywords, but consider adding some spice. Even if you are applying to jobs where the competition isn’t so stiff, your resume might attract more attention if you give the reader a break and attract some interest by inserting a little bit of your own authentic voice into the writing. The summary is a great place to add your voice, even if only in one sentence, and to articulate part of your personal brand and perhaps let your passion show. Here is a phrase that a job seeker added to his summary that comes straight from the heart: “Breathe life and vitality into next-generation products.” The sentence stands out in the business-centric summary by reflecting the intangible enthusiasm and interest the job seeker has for his work. Perhaps it is the use of the words “breathe life” that make the sentence jump out and lighten the resume, infusing it with personality and brand. Why not lighten up the day for the HR staff or hiring authority by letting your unique authentic voice be heard here and there?

Comments

[Dustin Dreese]

great advice! I work with a lot of clients who have applied to Google and companies similar in application overload. Always helpful to hear what others are saying!