How to make your job application stand out

When companies are desperate to hire in a job seeker’s market, it may not always feel that way for candidates looking for new roles.

I’ve coached dozens of business school students in the job search process and have reviewed hundreds of resumes as a hiring manager and resume coach.

What I’ve learned may help you stand out as an applicant even in highly competitive industries like web3. Some of the tips may seem obvious but four out of five candidates aren’t following them.

Structure your resume to showcase your accomplishments

Resumes are typically the cornerstone of a job seeker’s application so they deserve the most attention. When bullet points on a resume read like descriptions of job responsibilities rather than accomplishments, hiring managers won’t know what your strengths are.

Google recommends using the x, y, z formula for your resume: you accomplished x, resulting in y, by doing z.

The bulk of resumes I see fail to follow this formula. Using this format not only sets you apart, it can also showcase the desired skills listed in a job posting.

Besides structuring each resume bullet point to highlight your accomplishments, you’ll want to ensure your audience has sufficient context about each role. You can use your first bullet point to accomplish this.

For example, a product manager at a no-code software company might write this as their first bullet point:

• Launched a series of UX updates that simplified Acme’s no-code analytics product suite, growing usage among the everyday user segment by 20% in 6 months.

A brand marketer at a cookie manufacturing company might start with:

• Set the brand strategy for the No. 2 cookie brand in the US, growing the $50mil business +10% in the first year by executing a $5mil multi-channel marketing plan.

Both of these bullet points set the stage for what the person did and what the company is about.

Be specific and use simple language

Paint a picture for the reader with a resume that’s clear and easy to grasp. Avoid vague and jargony language like:

• Spearheaded the design and execution of thought leadership initiatives that utilized interactive tactics to communicate Company X’s value proposition, yielding $10mil in value.

This tells the reader nothing useful. Aim for a mini story that shows rather than tells, like this:

• Delivered $10mil in sales pipeline by creating educational webinars on cryptocurrency fundamentals, positioning Company X as a trusted, go-to resource for crypto insights.

The second version clarifies that:

1. The “thought leadership initiatives that utilized interactive tactics” were educational webinars
2. Company X’s “value proposition” refers to its reputation as a trusted, go-to resource for crypto insights
3. The “$10mil in value” is measured as sales pipeline

A personal preference on language: the word spearhead reminds me of spear phishing; I prefer led, which is simpler. Similarly, I avoid utilize when use works just fine. Utilize makes me think of equipment utilization rates in manufacturing facilities — it seems unnecessary in most resumes!

Cover letters can help, especially when switching industries or roles

Many job search experts say that cover letters don’t matter. That may be true when you can get an introduction to the hiring manager or someone influential at the company, or if you’re dealing with a recruiter.

If you apply to jobs without a warm introduction and your experience isn’t a slam-dunk fit for the role, cover letters can help provide useful context.

Let’s say you’ve applied to a job in web3, crypto, or blockchain (all basically the same industry) but you don’t have experience in this space. Cryptocurrencies and web3 decentralization concepts are not easy to explain. Most web3 companies are in high growth mode and may not have the resources to teach you. But maybe you’re a crypto enthusiast in your own time; or you know the latest regulatory trends related to crypto from your experience as a policy analyst. A cover letter is a perfect place to talk about these.

Never submit a generic cover letter with your application. Always customize each cover letter. It will show that you a) did some research on the company b) have strong communication skills and c) took the time to think about the specific role.

Most candidates don’t do this. I recommend you:

1. Keep it brief (150–200 words)
2. Speak to a few of the expectations set in the job description
3. Make it easy to read

Writing a compelling and impactful piece of communication takes time. A cover letter is no exception. You have to put some thought into it and will likely write a few drafts before you’re satisfied with the final result. If there’s a job you really want and plan to submit a cold application, a compelling cover letter may just catch the hiring manager’s attention.

In a tight labor market, the extra effort might get your foot in the door

Don’t assume your application won’t be good enough just because you don’t have perfect experience. But do put some effort into your application. Most candidates who submit cold applications aren’t structuring their resumes using the x, y, z formula or customizing their applications with thoughtful cover letters.

There are no guarantees, of course, but in a job seeker’s market, you might be surprised how much the extra effort could help you get an initial interview.