Expert Resume Writing Strategies: Tip #4

Q: What one thing is ten times more likely to get your resume more attention from hiring managers and recruiters?

A: Accomplishments!

Allow me to explain. When I review a resume I’m thinking what can this person do for my company? Do they have the results to back up the experience? Are they the right candidate for the position?

The best way to communicate this to a potential employer is through accomplishment and contribution-based resumes. Duties and responsibilities are great but accomplishments and contributions are way better.

Don’t sell yourself short either. If you’re not in sales and you don’t have hard numbers that is ok, not every profession will. When I sit down with a client to put together a resume I basically interview them, just as if I was interviewing them for the job they’re trying to get. I like to know their whole history at their previous employers not just what is on their current resume. I can find out a lot more about a client that way and better relate this information on their resume. It is amazing to me how many people don’t know what to say or how to say it on their resume. When trying to think about accomplishments to place on your resume start with these three questions:

1. Name three things you are most proud of in your career.
2. What do you feel are your biggest strengths, name three.
3. What makes you unique, why should this employer hire you over another qualified candidate?

Okay now take the answers to those questions and find a great way to incorporate them into your resume. Not quite sure how to do that, or to articulate what your answers are? Maybe it’s time to hire a professional resume writer.

Jessica Holbrook is a former Hiring Manager and a professional resume writer with Great Resumes Fast. She creates powerful, customized, and targeted resumes that are guaranteed to get her clients interviews. For a free resume analysis visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.