Action Verb + Concrete Detail + Impact
Trying to effectively capture your work history on your resume? Here is a great format to follow that will add power and relevancy to your document.
Start with an ideal job posting. Review it carefully and note what appears to be most important to that employer. Tailor your work history statements to serve as highly relevant “proof” that you have already been successful in each area. First provide a concrete detail to illuminate. You will know exactly WHAT details to focus upon based on concrete clues provided in the job posting. Then, demonstrate the impact your actions had upon the organization. Finally, find a list of action verbs, readily available on 100’s of sites and in resume-writing books. Choose the best, most descriptive action verb to begin each statement.
Here are specific examples:
- Implemented document imaging solution after researching 6 possible vendors resulting in achieving corporate goal of “going paperless” in under 7 months.
- Tutored 13 middle school youth in algebra which allowed them to progress to the next grade level with their peers.
- Analyzed purchasing department processes, identified costly gaps, and recommended improvements which saved $34,000 per quarter.
It’s Your Life!
Question:
You have demonstrated competence across so many areas. How do you capture it ALL on a resume?
Answer: You DON’T!
Focus specifically upon what is being asked of you, as a hopeful candidate, to fulfill a stated need that a prospective employer has NOW. Once you have the job, you’ll be in a position to hear about additional needs and lend your expertise toward solving them.
Lesson: One thing at a time. Focus first on the “here and now”.
Lisa has 14 years of résumé coaching experience.
She currently directs day-to-day operations and programming of a career center at a two-year technical college. From 2006-2008, she served as State Chair of a national organization to support women leaders in higher education. She remains on the Board. Previously, she served as HR Director of a legal services firm and specialized in worker’s compensation issues. From 1996-1998, she worked as a graduate assistant in the career services office of a large four-year college.
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