Employers read a lot of resumes. Hundreds of papers and online documents cross their desks. How do you get their attention? Numbers.
In a page filled with words and phrases, numbers stand out. This is why I often remind job seekers to include quantifiable details on their resumes. I suggest using real-life, verifiable numbers with dollar signs and percentage marks whenever possible. In addition to grabbing the attention of hiring managers, this data will demonstrate your ability to influence revenue growth, cut costs and make other impressive contributions to a company.
But some job hunters find it difficult to derive numerical information from their work experience. They worked for employers that didn’t track metrics, or held positions (or served in industries) that don’t measure progress in a concrete manner. Even so, it’s important to capture an employer’s interest, and prove that you will be a valuable addition to the workplace.
Luckily, you can still prepare a high-impact, accomplishment-rich resume, even without numbers. Let’s forget about tangible details for a while, and explore some ways to create dynamic achievements out of your experience. Consider these examples:
Teachers: You may be an inspiring educator, but unless you improved student test scores or reduced the senior class drop-out rate, you may not have actual data to support your case.
Try using bullet points that highlight your other successes, like this: “Created an after-school program that motivated students to explore new concepts in math and science.” Or this: “Established a positive classroom setting that fostered confidence and encouraged participation among third-grade students.”
Administrative coordinators: If you work in a support position, you probably play a direct role in the efficiency and growth of your employer’s business. Regardless, administrative assistants sometimes have a challenging time quantifying their achievements.
To remedy this situation, insert a statement like this: “Implemented a new filing system that significantly improved productivity for the office staff.” Or this: “Expertly balanced financial, administrative and human resources functions to meet budgetary and operational goals.”
Personnel managers: Team leaders and managers should understand that as bosses their resumes will be analyzed very closely. Many decision makers look for proof of experience, so if you don’t have strong numbers, win the boss’s attention with powerful, bolded accounts of your work history.
Add a bullet point like this one: “Built a high-performing team that worked together to overcome obstacles and achieve corporate goals.” Or try this one: “Revitalized the culture of the work force to boost staff retention while ensuring full compliance with human resources policies.”
Notice that each of my sample statements includes an action (“implemented a new filing system”) and its result (“significantly improved productivity for the office staff”). This is the key to developing gripping content in your resume. Also, every bullet point should demonstrate that your commitment to personal, team and company success. Do you perform “above and beyond” the responsibilities of your position? Did you research and implement new systems, revise policies, drive up productivity or increase morale? Say so.
When they review your resume, employers want to visualize your achievements and determine how you will help meet their goals. Quantifiable achievements are ideal, but if you don’t have them, use assertive, cause-and-effect bullets to provide the evidence they need.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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