There’s a simple game I play with my son that never fails to make him pause and think. The other day, we were chatting about what it means to be different, to stand out, and how easy it is to give the most common answer without even realizing it. I asked him, “Can you name a city that starts with the letter ‘L’?” With a confident smile, he said what I knew he would: “London.”
Of course, it was a good answer. London is iconic, rich with history, and well-known to just about everyone. But here’s the thing—it was also predictable. I told him that 9 out of 10 people would probably say the exact same thing. That’s when it hit me: standing out in a job market is no different. If all you offer is the “London” answer—the expected response, the same qualifications as everyone else—you risk blending into the crowd.
The Importance of Being Memorable
Let’s be real. The job market is crowded. Recruiters sift through countless applications and see candidate after candidate who might all “check the boxes.” If all you offer is what everyone else brings, you’re just another face in a sea of sameness.
So, what does it take to truly stand out? It goes beyond showing up with the right degree or the most popular certifications. It’s about offering a unique perspective, sharing experiences that showcase what makes you different, and, yes, sometimes daring to answer with a city like Lusaka, Ljubljana, or even Lucknow when everyone else is saying “London.”
Bringing Your Authentic Self
I explained to my son that standing out doesn’t mean simply being different for the sake of it. It’s about thoughtfully presenting your strengths, your story, and your unique value. When you apply for a job, you’re not just filling in a spot. You’re solving problems, contributing to a culture, and bringing a spark of who you are to the table.
Instead of another generic bullet point about teamwork, tell a story about how you navigated a challenging project where personalities clashed. Instead of listing skills, illustrate how you used those skills in creative, meaningful ways that brought measurable results.
When Everyone Else Says 'London'
When I told my son that most people would say “London,” I asked him to think about why. It’s a city with weight and familiarity, just like many of the common responses we lean on to sound “correct” in interviews. But familiarity isn't always memorable.
The same goes for you. What’s the “London” of your resume or your pitch? Is there a project, story, or experience you’re brushing aside that might actually be your unique twist? Have you looked deeper into how you can connect with your audience—not by trying to outshine them with the obvious but by connecting with what’s distinctly you?
Dare to Be Remembered
It takes courage to step beyond what feels safe and predictable. When I see people taking that extra step, whether it’s through a cover letter that shares a genuine personal connection to a role or an interview that acknowledges both strengths and areas they’ve grown through, I remember them. And that’s precisely the point.
So, as you navigate this crowded job market, don’t settle for being one of many saying “London.” Show us the cities, perspectives, and stories only you can bring. Let’s see what makes you different.
Photo by Rob Curran on Unsplash