Many job seekers believe an effective resume is nothing more than a 1-page document choked to the brim with keywords and metrics. Nothing could be further from the truth! While brevity and keywords are important, passion is what piques a hiring agent’s interest and results in interviews. Here are 3 effective ways to communicate it within current resume standards:
1) CREATE AN OPENING PARAGRAPH
Jumping straight into your work history without an opening means missing out on an opportunity to demonstrate your unique value. Review your career. What skills have been responsible for your greatest successes? For example, are you particularly adept at forging new business relationships? Can you evaluate markets and identify untapped opportunities? Do you have a track record of providing exemplary customer service and support? These skills are the raw material for a powerful opening:
“Versatile professional adept at spurring growth through forging new business relationships. Highly skilled in evaluating markets and identifying untapped opportunities. Committed to addressing customer needs and offering dedicated support.”
A great resume opener invites closer analysis of your work history. Be sure to include relevant certifications, technical skills, and language capabilities.
2) DEMONSTRATE SKILLS AS OPPOSED TO MERELY LISTING THEM
Nothing makes a reader’s eyes glaze over faster than a work history that reads like a job posting. Take a look at the following example:
“Maintained project budgets. Managed staff and answered queries. Presented at conferences and industry meetings.”
What does this paragraph say about a candidate, aside from the fact that he/she is able to perform required tasks? What context does it provide? The trick to making your work history shine is thinking in terms of DEMONSTRATING skills instead of listing them:
“Controlled project budgets and identified cost efficiencies. Delivered staff training across both 1-on-1 and group environments, and proactively addressed issues. Increased company exposure and garnered new opportunities through presenting at conferences and industry gatherings.”
3) HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF
Just because certain career successes can’t be broken down into metrics doesn’t mean they’re any less valid. Demonstrating versatility within your work history is a great way to differentiate yourself from the competition. For example, did you effectively manage your workload through a particularly tumultuous period? Did you strengthen interdepartmental communication, or help introduce a new system? These are all valuable credits that should be highlighted. A good strategy is to describe job responsibilities in paragraph form, followed by a “Key Accomplishments” or similar section listing successes in bullets.
Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at ResumeOrbit.com. 95% of clients report an increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).
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