Let’s talk about the part of the job search that makes people want to throw the laptop across the room.
You know you can do the job.
You know you’ve handled harder things than half the job descriptions you’re reading.
You know you’re smart, capable, organized, adaptable, and good with people.
And still?
Nothing.
No interview. No reply. No update. Just the cold little application portal acting like you sent your resume into a cave.
TOTALLY fair to be angry. But anger needs a job. So today, we’re going to give it one.
The Problem Is Your Visibility
The person reading your resume is moving fast through a stack of resumes.
They are not sitting there thinking:
“Let me do a deep read of the entire life and career of this educator and carefully translate every classroom responsibility into a corporate function.”
See also: "This person doesn't stand out. Pass."
Do This To Stand Out In Your Next Application
Step 1: Open these
-
The job posting you want to apply to
-
Your resume
Step 2: Find the company’s problem
You may think you know what a job is all about.
You may think you'd be a great fit.
Here's how to be 10000% sure.
Copy the job description into ChatGPT and use this prompt:
Prompt:
I am applying for this role as a transitioning teacher. Read the job description below and tell me the biggest business problem this company is hiring this person to help solve.
Do not give me a generic summary of the role.
I want you to answer these questions:
What does this company need this person to improve, fix, support or make easier?
Who will this person likely help? Customers, internal teams, users, learners, managers, sales teams or someone else?
- What 3 phrases from the job description should I mirror in my resume and LinkedIn profile?
Write one simple sentence that starts with: “This company needs someone who can help…”
Here is the job description:
[Paste job description here]
Step 3: Look at the top half of your resume
Now ask yourself:
Can someone see these ideas in the top half of my resume in 10 seconds?
Be honest.
Can they see the match?
When the answer is no, you have found your "stand-out" fix.
Your Next Steps
Before you submit your next application, pause.
Use the prompt above in Step 2 to find the company’s problem.
Then look at the top half of your resume and ask: “Can they immediately see why I am a match?”
If not, that is where you start.
Go forth and stand out, my friend. Hope you'll give this a try.
See you next week.
Cheers!
Steph Yesil
Find me on LinkedIn, Get My Career Change Kit,
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