Creating a great resume isn’t just about making it visually appealing or using the right key words. Granted both are key to a great resume, but there’s so much more!
Be Success-Oriented
As a resume writer, so many times I see resumes that read like job descriptions. That format most likely will not get you the job. A potential employer doesn’t just want to know what you know how to do, they also want to know that you can do it well.
The key here is to not share your experience in a neutral tone, but rather share it in a success-oriented way. For example, share how you increased efficiencies by a certain percentage. Or, highlight that you just didn’t meet sales goals, but that you exceeded them by xx percent. Another example is to highlight how you implemented a process that cut costs by a specific money amount. By being specific you are making the success story more real. In addition, many of these statements are skills that employers in many industries are focused on.
Not every success story is conducive to being quantified though. However, in such cases you can still be success-oriented by highlighting your successes by your word choices. For example, “efficiently trained,” or “effectively led.” These statements will not only show that you have the skills for the job, but also the talent for it.
Don’t Bury Your Success Stories
It can be tempting to share all that you do in your job but the reality is that only certain types of tasks resonate well on paper. And remember, your resume is simply a teaser to leave them wanting to know more about you. Share the core of your job that is relevant to the job you are seeking. The rest acts as “noise” on a resume, detracting away from these great, relevant success stories.
It’s likely this will mean letting some projects that you poured your heart and soul into go by the wayside. However, it also means that the most relevant information to the potential employer will “pop” more and will not be lost in the “noise” of irrelevant information.
Extra tip: User bullet points instead of paragraphs. One to two line bullet points will help your statements “pop.” Paragraphs often get ignored and your success story will get lost in the details.
Focus on Your Translatable Skills
It can be easy to be pulled into discussing your job in great detail. The details of your job though will not likely directly translate to the next job. Every employer does the nitty gritty of their work a bit differently. Instead focus on the skills that translate across any industry. Tied to this, focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
So, what do I mean when I say skills? Think leadership, communication, collaboration, service, etc…. These are all skills that will translate across jobs and even industries. If you can effectively highlight these skills in your resume, you are golden!
You Tell Me!
What strategies have you used to create a resume that strongly sells your talents? What tips above most resonated with you?