When there are 200 applications in the pile, the resume isn't what gets someone hired. The person behind it does. So why do most resumes hide the very thing that makes their owner worth hiring? In this episode of H.I.R.E.D (Help Inform Reflect Empower Develop), Trevor and Paul are joined by Heath Brennan, principal of Brennan Sourcing, a highly experienced recruiter who builds talent strategies for growth, and the show's first-ever returning guest. Last time Heath busted ATS myths. This time he gets practical about how to stand out as a candidate, using your resume to showcase what you bring. His big idea is that the resume is just a delivery device. The format and page count don't matter. What matters is what a hiring manager thinks you will achieve for them. Heath explains his "what, how, where" framework: lead with the value you deliver, then how you do it, then where you've done it before. It's the same way every website, sales pitch and business case already works. He shows why opening with "I'm a team player and a self-starter" is a how dressed up as a what, why your personal value proposition should speak directly to the problem the employer needs solved, and why the typical executive summary "moves no needles". The conversation also covers showcasing your achievements. Paul pushes back on the "always add numbers" advice for people in software, and Heath explains how context can do the same job. They also talk about evidence versus statements, building your own personal case studies, and the "main character syndrome" that leaves your best skills off the page. Heath explains why a lapsed certification can undermine trust, and why AI-tailored resumes are making everyone look the same. He also shares his "describe it, don't name it" approach to transferable skills, including how a gym membership consultant made a successful career change into university enrolments. Trevor recounts an epic (and ill-fated) ski trip to New Zealand, then steps onto Trevor's Soapbox to take on imposter syndrome and the toll job seeking takes on confidence. His message is simple: you are awesome, so remind yourself why. Paul keeps the questions sharp, and the episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny Young. In this episode * Why it's you, not your resume, that needs to stand out * The "what, how, where" framework for showcasing yourself * Why "team player" and "self-starter" are a how dressed up as a what * Showcasing achievements with context, evidence and personal case studies * Transferable skills, career change and "describe it, don't name it" * Why AI-tailored resumes make everyone look the same, and the question behind the question * Trevor's Soapbox on imposter syndrome and job seeker confidence * Heath Brennan returns as H.I.R.E.D's first repeat guest Topics covered * Stand out as a candidate * Personal value proposition * Resume tips * Showcasing achievements * Personal branding * Transferable skills * Career change * AI and resumes * Imposter syndrome * Job seeker confidence Whether you're rewriting your resume, changing careers or wondering why employers aren't seeing what you're capable of, this episode offers a practical, recruiter's-eye view of how to make sure they see you. If you have a question, feedback or an idea for a future episode, we'd love to hear from you at [podcasthired@gmail.com](mailto:podcasthired@gmail.com), or connect with the H.I.R.E.D Podcast on LinkedIn. H.I.R.E.D is an Australian careers podcast helping job seekers, recruiters and employers navigate today's employment market through practical conversations, expert guests and real-world experience.
