Lindsay Mustain, a seasoned talent acquisition professional with nearly two decades of experience, has encountered countless resumes throughout her career. In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, she shed light on a common mistake that job seekers often make: the tendency to provide generic, superficial responses akin to those heard in beauty pageants.
Mustain refers to these responses as “Miss America answers,” emphasizing their lack of depth and insight into candidates’ actual accomplishments. Whether at the junior level or the C-suite, she notes that job seekers frequently fall into this trap, hindering their ability to stand out in a competitive job market.
An example of a “Miss America answer,” according to Mustain, is stating, “I had stakeholder meetings with people.” Such statements resemble glorified job descriptions and fail to showcase the candidate’s unique contributions and impact within their roles.
To overcome this challenge, Mustain emphasizes the importance of quantifying and listing accomplishments instead of merely describing job responsibilities. By highlighting tangible achievements and measurable results, candidates can differentiate themselves and demonstrate their value to potential employers.
As the CEO of Talent Paradigm, a career coaching company, Mustain’s insights offer valuable guidance for job seekers striving to make a lasting impression in their job applications and interviews. By adopting a more strategic approach to presenting their experiences and achievements, candidates can increase their chances of securing meaningful opportunities in today’s competitive job market.
In summary, job seekers should heed Lindsay Mustain’s advice to avoid the pitfalls of “Miss America answers” and focus on showcasing their unique accomplishments and contributions effectively. By doing so, they can position themselves as standout candidates poised for success in their career endeavors.
