How To Be Remarkable #75: Create a “Purple Cow” Resume

On February 16, 2025  By thesuccessmanual   Topic: Remarkable

The term "Purple Cow" came from Seth's Godin's book of the same name and has now become synonymous with being remarkable in business. However, the idea can be readily applied to any life situation.

How about Purple Cow Resumes? Here is a simple 4-step guide I found on Brazen Careerist blog.


1. Don’t mention roles and responsibilities, mention skills and accomplishments

Example: Saved XYZ Corporation $5K a month by analyzing and identifying profit leaks in their IT department.


2. Use an awesome and uncommon design.

Ideas for cool resume design ideas:
* Design a mind map around what you have accomplished/why they should hire you
* A picture slideshow of your accomplishments, or of you working in action (if it’s interesting)
* A cereal box including sales copy that sells you instead of cereal (especially if you’re an ad/marketing/artistic person)
* Use your own medium (for a software developer, write software that promotes you, etc)


3. Create a references-only resume.
Useful for people/communication oriented job positions.

Example: “Jane had a fantastic work ethic that made her first pick for any team. I could always count on her to get the work done correctly and quickly. When a team leader quit suddenly, Jane stepped in as a natural leader and the transition was seamless.”
Joe Smith, Manager


4. Include an Interview Sample

Direct resuiters to your website from the resume. There you can include Portfolios, details about Project Work, more links to your work, whatever makes your case, do it.

Related Guides:
The Online Career Handbook
The Online Job Hunter's Handbook: 350+ Websites to find a job in any industry
The Unemployed Person's Handbook: 100+ things to do if you are ever unemployed for any reason

[From the 100 Ways To Be Being Remarkable Series, a special project that brings you business and self-development advice from The Success Manual. ]
Read The Successmanual Online  | Get Our RSS Feed  | Follow us on Twitter


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

DOING Manuals


The AI Proof Career

Future-proof your work in the AI age.


31 Days to Escaping Job Search Hell

Escape job search hell right out of college. Get job-ready in 31 days.