As of late, job security is a thing of the past. Seems like these days everyone is looking for a job, or in the very least, supplemental income. As a result, companies that are still hiring are being inundated with applications and resumes, which makes standing out from the crowd even more challenging.

Many job hunters have tried getting visually creative with their resume. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as there’s nothing too outrageous. However, before you decide to print out your resume on hot pink card stock you should keep in mind that no amount of fancy fonts or colored paper is going to land you that job.

While these things might be enough to get you pulled out of the middle of the stack, it’s not enough to get you the job. Potential employers are looking for more than just if you used cool fonts. Employers want to know what you are bringing to the table, if it works for the position, and how it will positively impact their company.

What Are You Bringing To The Table?

In other words, what kinds of things are you good at, passionate about, and interested in? This is the first thing you need to figure out. Take a complete assessment of your interests, talents, abilities, and specific skill set. There are even tests you can take, online or off, that will help you with this. Then make a list of any and all accomplishments, awards, and recognitions you’ve received to date. The more you bring to the table, the better your chances of getting the job.

Does It Work For The Position?

Once you’ve evaluated yourself, figure out what jobs best match or most require your special skills. Determine what your work style, ideal work environment, and motivators are. This will also help narrow down the list of places to apply to. Finding a place that best matches all of these factors means that you are going to be happier at work, more motivated to work harder, and more than likely to stay longer. All of these things are great for the employer as well, and exactly what they are looking for in a good employee. Make sure to include not only your talents and abilities, but also how you are a fantastic fit for the position and company to which you are applying.

How Are You Going To Positively Impact The Company?

The ultimate goal of companies that are going through the hiring process is to find an employee that will bring the most amount of positive impact to their company — one that will work hard and help to move the company forward. One that will help increase the overall value and performance of the company. With the mountains of resumes and hours of interviews they have to get through, the less they have to search for this information the better. Therefore it’s a good idea to spell it all out for them right on the resume. Let the company know about your skills, talents, and abilities. Let them know how you successfully used those skills in the past. This will help them to see how you can help them. In other words, they will be able to see what value you will bring.

The best way to land that job is to stand out from the crowd. The best way to stand out from the crowd is to toot your own horn. Market yourself. Spell out for them what you are bringing to the table, how you will use what you are bringing, and how that will positively impact the company. Tell them exactly why you are the absolute best and only choice for the job. Then they will be hard pressed not to agree. Happy hunting!