As a member of a new community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective, this post is one of many responses to the question, "Are you a cookie cutter job seeker?" I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked at the end of my post. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

                                              

In your job search, do you sometimes feel like you're a cookie cutter cut-out of a job seeker? That all financial analyst resumes look the same? That all marketing research professionals have the same strengths?  That all sales professionals have similar qualifications?

It's an easy trap to fall in: to begin to sound like a job description, like a caricature of yourself. When you're trying to dot all your i's and cross all your t's to win interviews, it's very tempting to think that creating a resume and job search strategy that matches those of your peers will succeed.

I'm here to argue that it won't. Thinking outside of the box, talking about specific accomplishments, going outside of your comfort zone, and differentiating yourself from your colleagues - that's how you will stand apart and win more interviews. Avoid the temptation to be a cookie cutter job seeker. 

Here are some thoughts on how to do that with both your resume and your job search.

RESUMES -
Yes, it's important to highlight your strengths as they relate to the position you're seeking, but if that's all you're doing, you're not giving the hiring manager a reason to pull your resume to the top of the pile versus another resume. How to do that? By marketing specific accomplishments, strengths, and achievements. By selling what makes you an attractive hire. By showing them why you're right for the job. Think about the following:

• What do others say about you and your work?
• Why are you good at what you do?
• What are you best known for at work?

Answer these questions and incorporate this information into your resume or cover letter, and you'll be well on your way to differentianting yourself and your candidacy.

JOB SEARCH - 
Some people are natural networkers. Others are introverted, shy, or reserved. What worked for your friend or spouse may not work for you if you're in a different industry or have a different communication style. Tackle the job search the way you are most comfortable. Are you comfortable meeting new people?  Join new professional associations, attend job fairs or networking events. Get out there and meet as many new people.

Are you shy and get nervous around large groups of people?  Take networking in baby steps. Reach out to people through LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, but avoid the temptation to hide behind your computer. Once you've emailed a networking contact, call him or her next, and then ask for an informational interview. Remember it's just a conversation between two people. Alternatively, have friends help make introductions for you to turn that cold call into a warm call.

Don't put pressure on yourself to conduct a search identical to anyone else's. Avoid becoming another cookie cutter job seeker. Break out of the mold and show who you are. Your job search will thank you for it! 

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More on this topic from my colleagues:

Keppie Careers: Conscious awareness and your job hunt