Distilling your experience, skills, and accomplishments down to a one page resume isn’t always easy. Some stuff just won’t make the cut. But too many times, stand-out qualities get snubbed in favor of more generic ones – the ones that sounds like they belong on a resume, instead of the ones that might actually distinguish you. Here are some favorites from our ever-growing stack of resumes:
- Trained Concert Pianist: Resenting all those Saturdays you spent serenading seniors in the assisted living rec room? No longer! That’s discipline, sacrifice, and mastery of a skill. Boom goes the dynamite. And the foot pedals.
- Fluent in Portuguese: Even if the job you’re seeking has no need for Portuguese on the regular, fluency in any language is a coveted skill. And one that might lead to a great conversation about your background, your values, and your opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo’s hair.
- Certified Bartender: Nothing wrong with being able to whip up a top notch margarita – hello new work friends! But more than that, you know how to entertain clients, hustle under fire, make fast change, and police the unruly! Who wouldn’t want that?!
- Elected class graduation speaker: People like what you have to say! Opening yourself up to feedback (and even some haters) isn’t unfamiliar territory for you, and clearly you bring a fresh perspective. Earned respect from your peers is nothing to sneeze at!
- Your crappy side jobs: Sometimes you just need the money – and that is a-ok! And oh by the way, you were also balancing a full course load and a student government position? Start calling yourself Anthony Gatto (check him out!) because we’ve got a master juggler in the house!
- Recruited Varsity Athlete: One dimensional jock? Maybe. Or maybe you made the most of your classes and maintained an above average GPA, all while managing a two-a-day practices, a travel game schedule, and a commitment to your team. Not too shabby!
All this to say, before you ditch a resume line item, ask yourself if there’s a good story behind it – one that could add more nuance and a little depth to the narrative you’re creating. If so, try making space for it. We bet you a job it will take you farther than a line about “proficiency in Microsoft Word”.
