Defining Your Value: How to Capture Attention in 8-10 Seconds

Last week, we discussed why your resume only has eight to ten seconds to show your value and the importance of exercising The Top 1/3 rule. Today, let's delve into how to define your value. What exactly is the company looking for in those precious few seconds? The answer lies in two key areas. But first, let's talk about what does not move the needle: experience.

The Experience Misconception

Of course, relevant experience is necessary for any role. However, from the company's perspective, experience alone is not enough. Imagine you're a hiring manager. You receive hundreds of resumes, all boasting similar levels of experience. What makes one candidate stand out from the rest? It’s not just about having experience; it’s about demonstrating your unique impact.

Shift Your Paradigm

Remember the paradigm shift we discussed? Put yourself in the company's shoes. They have mere seconds to scan your resume. They don’t just want to see that you’ve had experience; they want to see what you’ve done with it. Here are the two crucial elements they’re looking for:

1. Accomplishments

What did you actually accomplish? What did you create, implement, or develop? What kind of positive impact did you have on your organization, team, or division??

Job seekers often fear pursuing roles, but companies are equally terrified of making bad hires. When they see a resume filled with experience but no differentiators, they’re reminded of past hiring mistakes. In those critical few seconds, they need to see what sets you apart. What have you created, implemented, or developed that distinguishes you from your peers??

2. Relevance to Core Requirements

Which of your accomplishments directly pertain to the core requirements of the role? Job descriptions often list 10 to 25 items, but decisions are usually based on two or three key requirements. We need to do the mind mapping for them.?

In the top third of your resume—the area that gets those crucial eight to ten seconds of attention—you must demonstrate your value clearly. Show how you can make an immediate impact, operate efficiently, and require less handling than other candidates.

Practical Resume Tips

Here's my suggestion for structuring your resume:

1. Top Section: Include your name, contact information, a link to your LinkedIn profile, and a title.

2. Key Accomplishments: Create a section titled "Key Accomplishments" or "Relevant Results." Use your own language, but keep it to four or five bullet points (no more than six). Highlight what you have accomplished in your last two to three roles, focusing on what directly applies to the core requirements of the role you’re targeting.

Placing this section at the top ensures that hiring managers see it first. They shouldn’t have to hunt through your resume to find what you've achieved. If they can’t quickly see your key accomplishments, they’re likely to move on to the next resume.

Litmus Test

Spend most of your resume-building time on the top third. Once refined, print it out, step away from your desk, and return with fresh eyes. Put yourself in the shoes of a hiring authority or HR professional. Can you quickly see what the candidate brings to the table as it relates to the role? If yes, great—send it in. If not, keep refining until the answer is a definitive yes.

Conclusion

Your resume is your first impression. Make it count by focusing on your accomplishments and their relevance to the role. Remember, the goal is to make your value apparent in those first few seconds.

1-on-1 Coaching

If anything in this article resonated, let's connect and continue the conversation on how to best demonstrate your value in the job market. Message me ([email protected] ) for more information.