It seems like a
no-brainer: don't write a boring resume or cover letter. But it's a lot harder
to do than to talk about.
On the one hand, you want
to present yourself as unique. You stand out from the competition as the best
fit for the job. You are the most accomplished, best skilled, and
serendipitously attuned in temperament to the demands of this particular
position.
On the other hand, you
don't want to seem like a freak. You wouldn't go to an interview dressed like a
circus clown (unless you're applying to Ringling Brothers); nor would you put
together a resume that screams "oddball!"
How to achieve a balance?
Here's a handful of websites that can give you ideas about how to pitch
yourself. Of course, don't forget to apply your own good judgment about what
"goes" and what is "kooky-looking" in your industry. For
instance--the last website I've included from Pinterest has some eye-popping graphic resume examples. But if I'm hiring someone to teach in the English
Department, I would be skeptical that the pretty pictures cover up some
fundamental lack in the candidate.
Two websites that show you
how to get rid of boring text content:
- http://www.careerealism.com/7-ways-resume-boring-elses/
- http://www.ere.net/2010/08/02/your-resume-is-boring-and-how-to-increase-your-career-opportunities/
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