FOOD for THOUGHT: DIFFERENTIATORS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: DINING ON DIFFERENTIATORS

For most who know me as a resume writer and employment facilitator, I use a lot of analogies to make concepts more relatable. I am going to use one now to compare having an accomplishment or achievement-based resume to a task-based one.

Let’s start with the hamburger analogy (by the way, it works with tacos, milkshakes, vegan or vegetarian dishes alike) …

It’s lunch time and hunger strikes. You are craving a hamburger, but not sure where you want to order one from. All other logistics being rather equal (drive distance, cost, availability, wait time, etc.), how do you make the best selection? Are all burgers the same wherever you go? Texture, seasonings, toppings, juiciness, bun type, overall flavor profile? How would you know this if you had not tasted any of them before? We rely on advertising, word of mouth, and simply trying them out.

Although they may seem very similar because they are called “burgers,” we know as consumers, they are not equal. Each restaurant has its own unique way of making a burger, rather, their own unique “differentiators.” If you were to rely solely on advertisements, you can see how each is branded a bit differently, based on those differentiators.

Now how does this metaphorically apply to a resume? For nearly each section of your resume, you should include differentiators. Differentiators on a resume are specific skills, experiences, or qualifications that set you apart from other candidates and make you a strong fit for a particular job.

Here are some examples of how to use differentiators effectively on your resume:

Objective or Summary Statement:

?"Results-oriented marketing professional with a proven track record of increasing brand visibility and revenue through innovative digital strategies."

"Experienced software engineer specializing in machine learning, with a passion for developing cutting-edge AI solutions."

Skills Section (Highlight unique skills or certifications that are relevant to the job):

"Fluent in five languages, facilitating global communication and market expansion."

"Certified Scrum Master with a demonstrated ability to lead Agile development teams to successful project completion."

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Work Experience (Within your bullet points below each job, emphasize specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your expertise):

"Led a cross-functional team to launch a new product, resulting in a 30% increase in sales within the first quarter."

"Implemented a cost-saving initiative that reduced departmental expenses by 15%."

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Education (Mention any honors, awards, special projects/research or unique academic achievements):

"Graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science."

"Recipient of the [Scholarship Name] for academic excellence in business administration."

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Volunteer or Extracurricular Activities (If you have relevant experiences outside of work or school, include them):

"Served as a volunteer mentor for underprivileged youth, developing leadership and communication skills."

"Organized and led a fundraising campaign that raised $10,000 for a local nonprofit organization."

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Projects or Portfolio Section (If applicable, showcase personal projects or a portfolio that highlights your unique skills and talents):

"Created a mobile app that has received over 50,000 downloads and a 4.7-star rating on app stores."

"Developed a portfolio of web design projects, demonstrating expertise in UX/UI design."

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Certifications and Training: (List any specialized certifications or training programs that make you stand out):

"Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong foundation in financial analysis and auditing."

"Completed advanced data science courses in machine learning and deep learning from [Institution]."

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Languages and International Experience (If you are multilingual or have international experience, mention it):

"Fluent in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, facilitating effective communication in multicultural settings."

"Lived and worked in 3 different countries, gaining a global perspective and adaptability."

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Remember to tailor your resume and choose the most relevant differentiators based on the specific job for which you're applying. What sets you apart in one industry or role may not be as relevant in another, so customize your resume accordingly to maximize your chances of landing the job.

Comparatively, or what’s known in business and marketing, you want to offer something that clearly shows your competitive advantage. You are not just like every applicant. You are unique in skills, experiences, and “taste,” if you will. A generic resume will never demonstrate that and leave an employer desiring to talk with you in most cases, unless they are simply trying to fill that hunger or void quickly.

If you need help doing this effectively, maybe we should talk...

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