Here are three words of advice for job hunters writing their own resumes: Don’t mince words.
Employers don’t have a lot of time. They’re bogged down with responsibilities. If you want to stand out from other job candidates, you need a powerful resume that gets the job done. No mistakes, no feathery language. Choose words that grab employers by the lapels and prompt them to call you right away.
Busy hiring managers don’t evaluate every resume that comes in. They take a few seconds to glance at the text. That’s it. If they like what they see in those brief moments, they’ll sit back and read the rest of your document. If they don’t, they’ll move on to the next job hunter.
When time is short, language matters. Every word makes a difference.
Print a copy of your resume and stare at it objectively for about 10 seconds, then put it away. What did it look like? A concise, high-impact document with important, attention-grabbing phrases? Or a blob of words smashed together on a background of white space?
If your resume needs a touch-up, don’t worry. Most documents would benefit from some selective revisions. Put in the effort. At this stage of your job search, the written word is your most valuable tool. Your language decisions influence how employers see you. Choose carefully.
To get started, list a handful of adjectives that describe your personality. Look beyond common vocabulary like dedicated, self-motivated or team-oriented. Instead, find original terms, like these: Tenacious. Driven. Award-winning. Insightful. Intellectually curious. Artistic. Technically savvy.
How do you use this new word or phrase? Three choices. First, you can craft it into a compelling title, like this: “Award-winning advertising executive” or “Insightful psychology major.” Second, you can expand it into a concise opening line, like so: “Tenacious sales leader with a history of developing multimillion-dollar accounts.” Finally, you may draw on its impact and clarity for inspiration as you write the rest of your document.
Remember, the top of your resume is critical. Hiring managers will examine this area first. A few choice words can entice them to keep reading. Just don’t get lazy. Once you grasp their attention, you can’t let them go.
Create job descriptions that focus on the most important aspects of each position. Begin sentences with a well-chosen verb or action word, such as: Designed. Managed. Spearheaded. Directed. Sold. Orchestrated. Try these examples: “Designed and developed new products” or “Managed a top-performing team of 20 employees.”
For each position, write a few achievements that spring off the page. Again, start your sentences with action words. But this time, add some rich, relevant details, like this: “Revamped the Web site and marketing materials to improve public awareness and drive up sales,” “Increased productivity by 10% by resolving long-standing conflicts between departments” or “Stabilized the business to eliminate the need for layoffs and boost morale.”
When it comes to writing resumes, your language guides your career path. It tells employers who you are and what you can accomplish. Be precise. Peel away unnecessary words. Fall in love with verbs. Highlight the most relevant and impressive facts about your career. Respect the power of words.
Send your job-search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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