I Read 2,216 Resumes. Here’s How You Stand Out 🚀

Head to 80000hours.org/ali to start planning a career that is meaningful, fulfilling, and helps solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Make your 80,000 hours count.
Hey friends, so I’ve recently been hiring a bunch of people for my business. I’ve read literally thousands of applications and in my opinion know what to look for in an incredible candidate. So in this video I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do when you’re applying for a job to get into that 1% of people who actually get hired. Enjoy :)
If you want to put your new skills into practice, we have a few roles currently open if you're interested in joining the team: apply.workable.com/aliabdaal/...
Elizabeth's channel: / elizabethfilips4
Jamie's channel: / jamiewhiffen
Gordon's channel: / gordongreenhorn
The Third Door: geni.us/DvGZ
00:00 The Third Door
01:11 Slide into people’s DMs
02:44 Be an opportunist
04:04 Make it easy for them to say yes
05:58 Build a portfolio
09:08 Keep it short
10:20 Lead with value
12:33 Go above and beyond in your application
15:00 Understand the vibe
16:58 Please don’t bullshit
19:06 Write for clarity rather than impressiveness
20:22 Dial in your level of enthusiasm
22:44 Be paranoid
24:29 Consider video applications
26:43 Do the thing really well
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MY FAVOURITE SOFTWARE:
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🎙 Deep Dive podcast - / deepdivewithaliabdaal
The podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. You can find it by searching “Deep Dive” on any podcast app (eg: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts etc).
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WHO AM I:
I’m Ali, a KZbinr, podcaster, soon-to-be author and ex-Doctor working in London, UK. I make videos that explore the strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. I also have a weekly podcast called Deep Dive (kzbin.info/door/hfo..., and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (email.aliabdaal.com).
GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, I’d love to hear from you. Tweeting @AliAbdaal directly will be the quickest way to get a response, but if your question is very long, feel free to email me at [e-mail]. I try my best to reply to things but there sadly aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everyone 😭
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜

[@shaheenbeeharry7449]

I have done that -- the third door strategy, offering to work for a limited time for free etc. And it does work, but there is a caveat; when I was around 22 a friend who was then 28 told me to make the most out of being middle class by pursuing [unpaid] working and learning opportunities while realising that it is because I have a cushion to fall back on that I can afford to do so. However, it is important to acknowledge that this is not an option for many people and engaging in these practices normalises unpaid work and contributes to greater systemic problem around inequality and who can or cannot afford to secure the best learning opportunities.

[@shaheenh.4856]

Agree, that the option to work for free is a luxury. I only looked for jobs to pay cause I had to pay bills and stuff. But I saved up money to earn that luxury of working free(working for learning opportunity). It's like working double to even the playing field. It is exhausting. One thing I would add, if you ever get ONE opportunity, MAXIMISE IT. It would lead to other paid opportunities. Also it took 7 years, several mental breakdowns, hundreds of sleepless nights to earn that luxury. It’s not impossible, but it breaks a person down without the right support.

[@tarana9329]

Valuable point. Thanks.

[@CoffeePlease.]

Absolutely! I was practically yelling this.

[@reneel4108]

Well said, I was looking for this

[@carissawong2451]

Agreed! I think the industry plays a role too - doing free work is pretty frowned upon in the writing/copywriting world because it brings the market value down, especially when many older organisations already undervalue writers.

[@Itsryanjordan]

Ryan the videographer here - can confirm, my lighting has improved. P.S this really works!! I used this plenty of times after the day with Ali and now I’m working regular jobs because of it 😁

[@aliabdaal]

Wooo

[@ninakoch1799]

congrats ryan☺️🥳

[@Itsryanjordan]

@@ninakoch1799 Thank you so much :)

[@jemimahwambui2254]

Woah!! Really inspiring

[@syrex6729]

One of the most helpful videos you have ever done! Keeping it real and simple.

[@storypathy]

These tips really come to life with the stories you've attached to each one - thank you so much for sharing these insights!

[@I_am_nooh]

Hey Ali, I never thanked you. Couple of months ago I used this video as a reference while crafting my resume and got into the first "job" I applied.

[@habibbenhamida5754]

Well, that's an awesome video if I ever saw one! I just finished this video and I absolutely want to repeat it and actually take notes and study it. Thank you man, we really need more of this in the self-help community.

[@cnohan]

Have to say Ali, as a recruiter these are very valid points. Agree on so many versions of approach and knowing who you are reaching out to. Many of us need just need to be authentically us and love the “Lead with Value”. Bravo.

[@kalitech]

Man!! you find productivity in everything. You are awesome.

[@razabadass]

The last point about doing your best at what you’re doing resonated with me the most - thank you Ali! Raza :)

[@DillonSingh98]

Thanks for this upload Ali! This'll probably be the video I rewatch like 10 times before submitting my CV & CL to any position

[@micaelaaguero8139]

I loved your video! Very complete! Thanks :)

[@quantquill]

Great tips. I teach at a US public university, in the business school. I've asked recruiters and hiring managers for advice, and some of them don't care about cover letters, but for the ones who do, Ali's absolutely right about the value of a cover letter! One of the biggest hurdles for people applying: unclear job postings. That's a KZbin video all by itself. I've read way too many Corporate-speak mumbo-jumbo job posts that leave me wondering what the job is about. Two things learned from talking to recruiters looking to hire new college graduates: 1) Don't batch-send resumes. Customize each one to each job. Be thoughtful in showcasing your experiences by using the terms from their job posting. Not only does it show you've thought about how your experience maps, but your resume is more likely to make it past a computer screener (if they're using one) to a real human being. 2) Include your school projects - since a college degree is supposed to be what will help a person in the job market, highlight the projects, skills, software, etc you learned, that fit the job.

[@Brianna58321]

Seriously, thank you so much for this advice. I immediately revised my resume with this.

[@montienboey]

I'm at the stage of my life where this sorta thing really matters. Thanks for the video Ali! Great as always.

[@soh5]

As a college student I've heard so many tips on how to write a resume and yet I still learned new things in this video. Thank you for being so candid and giving us valuable insight!!

[@amima2012]

thank you Ali, gladly to hear any podcast you bring into us, it seems like 'you got attention' in repeat thanks a bunch. :)

[@ringotominto]

Amazing video - will definitely bookmark for future use. Thank you!

[@FloatingSpaces]

Hi Ali! Definitely perfect timing as I’m trying to land my next music gig🤍 thank you for the valuable tips! Cheers!

[@sukhvindersingh8500]

I started watching your videos with a purpose to improve my listening skills on Native English speakers and to pressurize my brain to process English language as fast as possible and I'm seeing the expected results. I sure this isn't something that you wanted to hear in your comment related to this video but I just wanted to tell you how your videos helping me but not in a way as you're expecting because I've been watching your videos with different purpose but now I've realized that somehow your videos are beginning to rubbing off on me. I've been thinking about organizing my life in a much better way (I'm just on thinking process, I haven't yet started to organize everything related my life hehe). And If I talk about this video it's a video that chock-full of incredible advices specially that advice regarding what an employer wants to see in your CV is that how that person can benefit their organization I mean the skills he/she has are the requisite skills rather than dilating upon unnecessary things (what I'm doing right now hehe) or profligate use of words. Anyway, I'm planning to switch my job and I'll definitely gonna take cognizance of your advice while creating my CV for the job I'm applying for. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@reginaphalange2563]

Adding this video to my resonance calender! Thank you Ali.

[@rimag7883]

Great advice Ali..at least you're highlighting the new reality of the hiring expectations in Startups vs what unis and many recruitment advisors still teach...The Dear Sir/ Madam.. is one example....

[@davidecimitan3004]

I'm currently changing my career and your video comes out right on time! These types of videos are the ones I like the most on your channel: informative, direct, and colloquial, it's like listening to a friend who gives you some tips!

[@mistguides]

Thank you Ali, I appreciate all your amazing content.

[@wicakonso]

Great tips! Thank you so much

[@hris9214]

Love this video, thanks Ali and team! So packed with useful info for job hunters like myself. Cant give this vid enough thumbs up 👍👍👍

[@smwesige]

Perfect Timing. Thanks alot for the content.

[@yasarsaleem2896]

Sick advice. I stopped watching your vids, but you've pulled me back in! I need to up my game

[@gracetheyoutuber]

this video is so informative! As an international student, I am always struggled with English writing. I was just expecting to get my cv done, now one stone two birds!! Thank you so much Ali!

[@bouchraelghifari6075]

That was the most valuable 29 minutes in my life 🙏🏻🙏🏻 very enlightening and helpful.

[@mohammed-Ihsan]

Hi Ali! I would love to see a video about “how to hire people” .. I think a lot of entrepreneurs are watching you, part of them are afraid of delegating tasks and others are willing to, but they don’t know what’s the right path to find a really qualified person to hire.

[@thimomueller]

Fully agree. Btw, @ali if you need help with this … I work as an Headhunter for more than 10 yrs and happy to develop something together

[@yassa1231]

My org is doing research on the fairest and most predictive methods to accurately assess a candidate’s potential. The results are definitely not straightforward as some might portray. Happy to put you in contact with our researcher.

[@LondonLawyer]

Ali I had stopped watching your channel after you started doing videos that everyone else was doing like unboxing videos and book reviews etc., but this one on careers has been absolutely brilliant, I feel that this is truly your masterpiece!

[@laniep205]

this video had so much value. Thank you!

[@DeepDiveJJ]

Hope they start showing videos like this in school. Amazing advice!

[@y.t1670]

As a person working in R&D department of a big technology company and hired quite a few CS/EE student interns, I confirm all the suggestions in this video are gold. Especially, kids, please get rid of the corporate bullshit in your CV. And if you are looking for a technical student position, bragging about your student union leadership position, unfortunately is a huge mistake

[@mastershifuVJ]

Loved every detail in it. Thank you

[@ahmedniaz1]

Recently graduated, this video came at the perfect time! Thanks Ali!

[@srikanthmandela2511]

Great Tips, I worked in recruitment, your points are spot on Ali. Great content!

[@hx756]

Thank you so much for making this video! Nobody else really talk about how to write resumes and through this video I learnt a lot!❤

[@nethmeeyapa7283]

Thank you so much Ali!!

[@ThuPham-zi2od]

Thank you Ali, that's what Ii need at this time. Appreciate your video so much

[@ahmedniaz1]

Just graduated and was about to apply for jobs, this video came at the perfect time. Thanks Ali!!

[@twomcdonalds4923]

What I love about your vidéos Ali is that you give me a lot of motivation and I start working on my project so that KS a lot. Waiting for your next video 🙂

[@MahdiyarAbdollahi]

There is a book in our education system just about portfolio and CV’s but As 16 years old Iranian Student I always thought that my school books don’t teach valuable lessons. This video taught me how important that book was. Thank you 🙏

[@sarah-cx6tv]

what's the name of this book mahdiar?

[@mahdi7236]

داداش منظورت چه کتابیه؟

[@lindaterrell7920]

Name of the book?

[@ned.5326]

are we living in the same country bro

[@dawn9155]

I don’t know what book your talking about but I’m one hundred percent sure there isn’t any information on strengthening a CV in the Iranian education system.

[@InsideCorporatePlaybook]

As someone with an HR background and a youtuber, I'd admit you have done a great deal of recruiting work. Even more than a regular entry -level recruiter would do reviewing PERSONALLY (aka with no help of ATS machine). But I won't do any video interviews before I talk to someone in the company. This is my time and my youtube channel (or any other social media account or a portfolio that an applicant may have intentionally to introduce to you), is my business card. You should understand after sometime who you want and who is the priority you will chase after to do the quality WORK for your firm.

[@wge621]

Great tip about making a video just with you talking. As a recruiter I've never seen this but I think it's fantastic!

[@thewildaly]

Love this video. You’re so right. Nobody teaches you how to apply for a job. It really just depends on the school or even the teacher. That’s why as an EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher I adapt one of my units to teach my students how to make a CV, cover letter, video resume, etc in English to help them with this in the long run. This video is super helpful and I will be using it for my class. Thanks for making it!

[@machetedropout]

Most valuable YT video i have ever watched. Thanks for sharing.

[@ranahabib645]

Amazing video, thank you!!

[@AC-md7ij]

this is very informative! thank you very much! I always have problems using longer words than using shorter words, just like you've said, it is what school taught us and that is absolutely correct. I hope I can write shorter again to be more conversational...

[@hanifachairunnisa9938]

This video helps me a lot to prepare my resume for my first job!! Hope you make this kind of content more, bcs I know it will be amazing!

[@stvrtnow6387]

Man, you invested many hours to make this awesome video which is so detailed and valuable. Thank you 💯❤‍🔥

[@anahavana931]

Really useful, thank you Ali!

[@khalilahd.]

I love these tips! It’s actually so helpful especially because you had examples! Definitely shows me where I can improve and what things I’m doing well 🙏🏽

[@aliabdaal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wge621]

Glad you mentioned not being overeager. I've worked at FAANG and a well known gaming company as a recruiter and there were so many people that fanboyed way too hard that it was a turn off. We often gave them a chance but too much enthusiasm also translated to nervousness throughout the interview

[@wge621]

​@UC6951YmOw0sDJib1GTQt_jg yep. I've been in the position of caring too much about my role and it did hurt when I was treated poorly. one of those faang companies in particular was extremely toxic, but has an outward perception of being amazing, inclusive etc. meanwhile, my manager was gaslighting me and it still traumatizes me to this day, 6 years later. I wouldn't say I idealized it, but it's definitely harder to get reprimanded from a company you really love working at (and are proud to be at) vs a place that you feel so/so about. years later, I hear that many other people had similar experiences to me working there.

[@SaraSara-xh4hl]

Can I ask if you saw nervousness as a big no-no when making the final decision? if so, what were the traits of people who appeared more confident and put together? Was it speech, appearance, body language? Only asking because I get extremely anxious and interview terribly despite being more than qualified, so I'm always working on improving that and some guidance would be much appreciated!

[@wge621]

​@@SaraSara-xh4hl a big no-no? not at all. an easy tip for nervous people is just to say "sorry, I'm a bit nervous" with a smile. that cuts through the tension and also gets people to sympathize with you. interviewers tend to really like candidates who are vulnerable (at least in the places where I enjoyed working! if they don't, it's probably not an ideal culture fit any way). try doing practice interviews with someone you trust. there are even services for this. trust me, it helps. you can even rehearse a couple q&as with yourself if you don't feel comfortable doing it with others. I also recommend doing some affirmations and visualizations. it sounds foo-foo, but there is research to support it. write out your interview day as ideally as it could have gone, and try to visualize yourself having completed the day successfully. this is what elite athletes do to help them win gold medals, it applies for a variety of situations. you don't need to overthink it, just write out a short basic retelling of your day, as if you were telling a friend what happened, and try to visualize it. if you have more questions, just let me know, I love to help!.

[@SaraSara-xh4hl]

@@wge621 thank you! I've tried that line before and I got berated so I'm glad to know there's nothing wrong with admitting it

[@user-mr8rn9tr5x]

Thank you so much! It work!

[@medoma1000]

This is so incredibly valuable! Thank you for taking your time to create this video!

[@haiderafzal3333]

Hey Ali I love your videos. Keep working hard and thanks for making such amazing videos.

[@ZoeysMusings]

I've saved this video because it's gold and will help me in the future. There's no excuse for not stepping up your resume game after watching and applying these nuggets. Thank you, Ali!

[@chocolatecoveredgummybears]

lol no

[@BrysonCY]

Really good advice. I have been using some of them but I have learnt more from you today then my university's career advisor. Keep it up!

[@itschloetsang]

Great content! You put so much effort into your videos and it shows. Look forward to more videos!

[@histman6918]

We were waiting for this sort of video too long, lads. Finally, it happened!

[@missdianas7192]

As someone with an HR background and a youtuber, you have done a great deal of recruiting. Even more than a regular entry -level recruiter would do reviewing PERSONALLY (aka with no help of ATS machine).

[@hidenori8447]

I'm currently on the process of applying for a first job and having a little bit struggle on it. This video is really helpful for me. Thanks for Ali and the team!

[@amalieshi293]

Always gets inspried by your video. I am looking for a job right now and this is a great content for me. Thank you!

[@GuRuGeorge03]

this is great advice. We actually learned most these tips here in high school in germany in a special class about how to find a good job/university etc. It realy helped me later on to get my dream job. It actually fascinates me that almost all of these tips are so basic and easy to implement

[@emilyshen3070]

Thank you sooo much for this sharing 🙌

[@paulthomas281]

Congratulations on getting 3 million subscribers! Bravo!

[@collegeuser6188]

Great Video SUPERRR USEFUL... BTW looking cool in new glasses

[@AfroLatinaPTY]

This is such a great video. Thank you so much for this. My mind is running ideas as I write, and I am only half video in. Greetings all the way from Panama 🇵🇦

[@ZakirKorai]

You are stand out legend man 👨

[@jacobmorres9817]

You are a dominator, appreciate you bro

[@miashobbies4739]

Best tips i ever saw in youtube thanks for sharing ur valuable content for us😍😍😍

[@ArturNagy]

Spot on Ali! Leading with value is probably the best tip among all. Good luck in the future everyone, this is a phenomenal video to learn from!

[@khalilahd.]

Couldn’t agree more! Definitely helpful

[@colourrain1221]

Graduating from uni this year and heading into postgrad stuff but I have been having trouble landing internships and potential job offers. Definitely gonna be referring to this again and again!

[@mr.financial]

Thank you so much for your insight! Love your channel for the past few years.

[@zainyounis1442]

Ya I needed this video, thanks.

[@razabadass]

Thank you Ali bro appreciated this video! Raza :)

[@hassanikamel1589]

I appreciate your time, and your content which taught me alot

[@dt5622]

Awesome!!! Thanks for this

[@thaomac2907]

Just in time as I am struggling writing a cover letter today! Thanks a lot Ali!

[@viralkhachariya]

Absolutely amazing content, there are few youtubers who can match the quality of content you are creating.

[@HaroonCodes]

Brother Ali, thanks for teaching me ❤️

[@RGSTR]

Love you Ali, thank you :)

[@spotbrooklyn]

Ali, great video and insight on the entire hiring process. I myself recognize that when applying for jobs, having to type up a unique CV oriented for that role becomes tiresome, but is less an onerous process and more of a passion project when you are super motivated for the role. I hope you may consider a future video discussing about work burnout, motivation, or finding (or rediscovering/rekindling) your purpose in life through your career. It's something that I think many of us struggle with, and I would hope to hear your team's thoughts on that in the future.

[@manojrathore6791]

Thanks for the value addition in my life. 🙂

[@ashutoshsureka7651]

Great insights and highly helpful!

[@Inayah-jy8qb]

Very useful tips, thanks so much for sharing!

[@shadow-fb1ro]

omg thank you so much this really helps!

[@111abraxas13]

Thank you Ali. This was so insightful.

[@Cosmic_master]

Thank you for this video ALI

[@Scho229]

Today I started with my job applications, perfect timing. Thanks a lot 🙏🙏

[@ahmeds5011]

This is honestly one of the most helpful videos you have created Ali, and i have watched nearly all of them... Thank you so much for that man.. I really appreciate it

[@aliabdaal]

So glad!

[@kieral4098]

This video was so helpful! Most of the advice online is for corporate jobs so great to hear a start-up's perspective

[@spacerookie2391]

Thanks for this video, Ali! No one taught me how to apply for jobs or write cv/ cover letters in school or uni, now I finally understand something about it ;D (I hope I'll land a job)

[@SydPeppa]

I own a small business that's been running for a while now, thanks for the massive tips for hiring.

[@mariqoiava3956]

Hey! Loved the video.❤ I am a freshman in uni and wanted to start applying for internships this year. The tips were super helpful and informational, especially because of the real-life examples. This whole sending CVs and applying for jobs process has been nerve-wracking to me, because I don't have any working experience and tend to be shy when it comes to first impressions and showing my potential. I would really appreciate any advice or tangible tricks and I think it would help other teenagers too. I've learned a lot from your videos on productivity, habits and second brain and have become an advocate for Notion as well😂Looking forward to your other projects

[@beabea892]

Another great KZbin channel is Madeleine Mann’s Self Made Millennial 👍🏼

[@AlexChaveriat]

Our last 3 hires used the DM tactic (One even DMing another employee and asking them to send their contact info to me)! This video is now my go to for giving advice! Your point about, "What can you, as the applicant, do for me?" is solid! "Banger" video!

[@GiraffesAreBoss]

I really enjoyed this video! This gave me plenty of ideas to brainstorm on, and evolve my cv more personally when applying for tech jobs. I’ve seem to have put myself almost in a box, which is clearly not what a hiring manager is typically looking for- (of course, this is all based on reading the proverbial room when applying for a job role). Thank you for this very helpful video!!

[@toconnect5172]

Excellent content ! Very helpful

[@hampstercrazy]

As someone who hires people, the cold calling/cold emailing is the most annoying thing to me. If it’s not listed, then I don’t have openings, especially in the budget strapped non-profit world. I post jobs when I need them, otherwise I have not allotted time to figuring out how to add another person to my staff, which is much more time consuming than people think. Also, the forging false friendships just to ask me weeks later for a position in my department is really heartbreaking and a huge turn off. The person comes off as manipulative and I feel deceived and then fearful of genuinely nice coworkers. I think showing interest and asking advice is great, but make your interest in the person genuine, otherwise it can leave them feeling used. Generally, these are good bits of advice for many fields, but be careful applying them to places where they might not be appropriate. Also, be kind. I can teach most people anything, and while I want to see the basic education and skill requirements of the job, I hire 99% on personality and if you’re a good fit for the team, I am willing to train you on the specifics.