Resume Tip: Stand Out by Showcasing Great Work - NOT Listing Job Responsibilities

A well-crafted resume is one of the first steps in your road to securing the job you want.

Many job seekers just list their job responsibilities.  (I have seen this repeatedly!)

You can (succinctly) list your core responsibilities in the overall job summary, BUT your bullet points below that summary should be impactful brag statements & clear examples of your work accomplishments.

Here’s 5 TIPS to creating a resume that stands out and is compelling.

1.     First things first - Be Clear & Concise:     Make sure your skills stand out & are not lost in excessive multi-point sentences or points that go so long that they lose the reader.

 2.     Summarize your unique offering:    Most first looks at resumes (by a person) are a quick skim to see what you offer versus the stack of others on their desk.  Help them absorb your resume!  Start with a clear (3-4 sentence) “professional summary” of who you are and what you uniquely offer.  You can also add an 8-12 word “skills” summary.  

 3.     Demonstrate Real-World Impact:    By focusing on ACTUAL achievements (vs listing job responsibilities), you convey you have a track record of success and know how to deliver results.

 4.     Quantify your accomplishments:   Providing measurable outcomes or tangible impacts gives employers a glimpse into how your skills could benefit them. It also builds credibility and belief.

 5.     Showcase Relevant Skills to the Job Posting:     Adjust your resume to connect your accomplishments to specific skill sets required for the target job.

 Writing a clear and concise resume that emphasizes examples of great work over a generic listing of responsibilities is vital to breaking through the clutter and making a lasting impression on potential employers.

The goal of your resume is to open doors for further discussions, interviews, and ultimately, the job offer that aligns with your career aspirations.