Strategic Resume Writing – Avoid the Appearance of a Job Description

When in the market for a new job or career, it is imperative for professionals to take into consideration how to best present their career skills, experience and achievements in order to be considered by an organization. Too often professionals focus more on presenting what their job function is versus achievements in their roles.

Recruiters and hiring managers are not impressed by verbiage that reads as if taken out of a job description or employee handbook. Phrases such as “followed procedures according to the organization’s policies and procedures” or “provided excellent customer service by being an ambassador of the organization’s vision, mission and values” may sound impressive to a professional as they prepare their resume. However, all organizations expect that from employees. Furthermore, it does not make you stand out from a plethora of applications or resumes from other professionals vying for the same position as you.

Hiring managers and HR professionals are interested on hiring the best qualified individual. They are in the market for a top performer with a proven track record who can bring results and a return of investment. Think of it as similar to purchasing a vehicle. You, as the buyer, are the employer. The vehicles are the candidates. Which attributes would you consider to likely provide more value to your investment; a vehicle that has a description that includes statements such as “meets all government safety standards”, or “achieved 5 star rating in fuel efficiency, stable vehicle tracking system, and anti-lock breaking system”?

Your resume is your opportunity to market yourself, your education and preparation, your knowledge, your qualities and your skills to an employer. It should present how you have used these on a daily basis and the outcomes and achievements that followed as a result. If you increased revenue in a particular business area, describe how you were able to accomplish. If you decreased the number of injuries among warehouse workers, describe what practices you implemented in order to achieve this. If you acquired a new skill set or experience along the way, share that in your resume.

So, when ready for a new start, be strategic about your approach to your new career and keep these guidelines in mind. Competition for a professional position can be fierce at times. A strategic approach to how you market yourself as a professional can go a long away. For more information or ideas, you can contact me at Kenneth@sb-cs.com.