Do you know you can become the Flamingo in a Flock of Pigeons?
Job hunting is like entering a modern-day gladiator arena. Instead of wielding swords and shields, you are equipped with resumes, cover letters, and a flickering hope that someone will finally see your LinkedIn profile and exclaim, “Yes! That’s the one!”
However, standing out among a sea of job candidates isn’t just about having a master’s degree or the ability to use Microsoft Excel without shedding a tear. It’s about presence, authenticity, and knowing when to let your unique personality shine—just enough to be memorable, but not enough to frighten the hiring manager into calling the security.
So, let’s explore how to stand out—in a fun, fearless, and slightly easy way.
1. Make Your Resume a Weapon of Mass Attraction
Let’s start with your resume—your golden ticket, your professional selfie, your chance to brag without actually saying, “I’m amazing” (even though you are).
The Problem:
Most resumes read like they were copied and pasted from a particularly dull dictionary. Phrases like “Responsible for filing,” “Worked in a team,” and “Managed daily tasks”— hmmm.
The Solution:
Quantify your impact. Be specific. Instead of saying “Handled customer inquiries,” try “ I resolved over 120 customer inquiries weekly with a 98% satisfaction rate—without throwing my computer out the window.” Okay, maybe skip the last part, but you get the idea.
And please, no Comic Sans. We’re trying to land a job, not a fun show.
2. Nail the Cover Letter (Yes, People Still Read Those)
Ah, the cover letter—the most misunderstood section of a job application. Some treat it as an afterthought, while others fear it like taxes. But when done right, it’s your chance to say, “Hey! I’m not just qualified—I’m someone you’ll actually enjoy working with.”
How to Stand Out:
Tell a story. Perhaps it’s about the time you solved a team crisis with nothing but a spreadsheet and three cups of coffee. Or when you realized you were born to organize chaos. Humour works. Sincerity works even better.
And for goodness’ sake, address the company by the correct name. Don’t say “I’ve always admired Google” when applying to a small startup in Abuja.
3. Have a LinkedIn That Doesn’t Look Like It was created in 2012 and abandoned
Your LinkedIn profile should not resemble an empty supermarket shelf during a panic buy. It should be a living, breathing (well, not literally) portfolio of who you are, what you do, and why people should care.
Checklist for Standing Out:
- A clear, smiling profile picture (no blurry selfies from weddings)
- A catchy headline: Instead of “Graduate | Job Seeker,” try “Virtual Assistant with a Passion for Organization & Making Life Easier”
- A summary that sounds like you, not like a textbook
- Recommendations, endorsements, and perhaps a humble brag or two
And yes, it’s okay to post occasionally—even if it’s just, “Applied to my dream job today. Manifesting a yes!”
4. Prepare for Interviews Like You’re Going on a Reality Show—But With Less Drama
Interviews are your time to shine—not just from nervous sweat.
Tips to Leave a Mark:
Research the company as if you’re writing a dissertation. Know what they do, who they serve, and maybe even what their office dog’s name is (okay, maybe not that far).
Practice your answers, but avoid sounding like you memorized them from a career coach’s handbook.
Inject some personality. If they ask about your hobbies, say more than just “reading and watching movies.” Share your love for true crime documentaries or competitive sport games.
And don’t hesitate to ask them questions. Turn the tables (metaphorically, of course). This shows interest, confidence, and that you’re evaluating them, too—a power move!
5. Develop a Personal Brand—Yes, Even If You’re Not an Influencer
You may not have a YouTube channel or a podcast called “The Hustle Diaries,” but you still have a brand. It’s the sum total of how you present yourself—online, on paper, and in person.
Consider Your Brand As:
- Your vibe: Are you the calm problem-solver? The creative spark? The organized chaos wrangler?
- Your mission: What drives you? Helping others? Building systems? Getting things done with minimal drama?
- Your value: What do people consistently rely on you for?
Once you define these aspects, sprinkle them everywhere—your resume, your LinkedIn, your elevator pitch, and even your email sign-off. While “Best regards” is fine, “Thanks for reading my mildly charming email” might get a second glance.
6. Bring the Skills, Not Just the Hype
Let’s be real: anyone can claim to be “detail-oriented.” But can you prove it?
Having actual, tangible skills—especially modern, digital competencies—makes the difference between looking good on paper and getting hired. Courses, certifications, and even self-taught expertise go a long way.
Hot Skills That Set You Apart:
- Virtual Assistant tools (Asana, Trello, Calendly, etc.)
- Canva and content creation
- Social media management
- Data analysis (e.g., Google Sheets, advanced Excel)
Conclusion
By following these tips and making a genuine effort to stand out, you’ll become the flamingo in a flock of pigeons and catch the eye of potential employers. Good luck!
Receive the latest job and career updates in your inbox, every week!
