Hello Everyone & Happy Friday!

Did you know? The first literal ‘elevator pitch’ was given by Elisha Otis, the founder of the Otis Elevator Company. To demonstrate his newly invented elevator brake system, he stood on top of an elevator and cut the cable. Elisha’s brake system stopped him safely and prevented the free-falling elevator from crashing.

However, the term ‘elevator pitch’ gained popularity in Hollywood when screenwriters would get in elevators with producers so they could tell their movie ideas. With only 30-60 seconds to give the pitch, the screenwriters had to be to the point and memorable.

Click HERE to learn how to create your own elevator pitch for job interviews!

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In today’s competitive job market, your resume MUST be able to grab the attention of recruiters. But, did you know that some resumes are doing the exact opposite? That's right—if your resume is overly self-focused, it might come across as narcissistic, and that can turn recruiters off in seconds. Our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, recently tackled this topic, and I'm here to share the four telltale signs that your resume might be falling into this trap, along with practical tips to fix it.

1. The Self-Absorbed Summary Statement

If your resume kicks off with a lengthy paragraph about how amazing you are and what you want from your next job, it might be time to rethink that strategy. Recruiters aren't looking for an essay on your greatness; they're looking for how you can solve their problems. 

What to Do Instead: 

Replace that self-centered summary with a concise, to-the-point statement that highlights your key qualifications and what you bring to the table. Focus on the value you can offer to the company, not just what you want from them. Remember, it’s about showing how you fit into their needs, not the other way around.

2. The Jack (or Jill) of All Trades Resume

Listing every single job you've ever had, every skill you’ve ever acquired, and every task you've ever completed can be overwhelming for recruiters. Imagine trying to skim through a resume that's crammed with tiny text and zero white space—it’s exhausting. Resumes like this often end up in the "no" pile simply because they’re too difficult to read.

What to Do Instead:  

Less is more. Streamline your resume by focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills that align with the job you're applying for. Leave some white space on the page—it not only makes your resume easier to read, but it also shows that you know how to prioritize information.

3. The Overly Technical and Jargon-Filled Resume

Using multi-syllabic, industry-specific jargon might seem like a way to show off your expertise, but it can actually have the opposite effect. When you overcomplicate your language, you can come across as less intelligent or, worse, as someone who’s trying too hard.

What to Do Instead: 

Keep your language simple and clear. Use numbers to quantify your achievements rather than relying on buzzwords. For example, instead of saying you “leveraged synergistic strategies,” say you “increased sales by 30%.” Numbers are not only easier to read but also make a stronger impact by providing concrete evidence of your successes.

4. The Fancy Fonts and Design Overload

While it might be tempting to use eye-catching fonts, colors, and graphics to stand out, these elements can do more harm than good. Not only can they be distracting, but many applicant tracking systems (ATS) can’t even read them, meaning your resume might not get through the initial screening process at all.

What to Do Instead:  

Stick to a clean, simple design that’s easy to read both for humans and machines. Avoid fancy fonts, excessive colors, and complicated layouts. Your resume should be as dry as toast—plain and simple—so that it’s easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they’re looking for.

Ready to Revamp Your Resume?

If you’re thinking, “Uh-oh, my resume might be guilty of some of these,” don’t worry! The good news is that it’s easy to fix. J.T. and the Work It DAILY team have put together a free Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp. This bootcamp visually walks you through how to create a resume and LinkedIn profile that will get noticed by recruiters.

Ready to banish the narcissistic resume and start getting those callbacks? Click HERE to get instant access to our free Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp! 

You’ve got this!

Cassidy O’Donnell

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