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Many job hunters fail to give themselves enough credit on their
resumes.
Some were taught not to brag. Others just don't realize all they've
accomplished during the course of their career - and that it belongs on
their resumes.
Not Dizzy Gillespie? Not a prob. But you should still toot
your horn on your resume.
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It ain't bragging if it's true. Your
parents were, for the most part, right: nobody wants to be around a
braggart. If you don't show hiring
managers all the wonderful things you've accomplished on your resume,
however, then you probably won't get the job you want. Get over your parents' advice when
you're hunting for work. If you've
done something special on the job, then put it on your resume. If it's the truth, then take credit for
it.
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What have you done? Too many
resumes include the phrase "general ___ responsibilities" or the
word "miscellaneous" or even "etc." These terms are far too vague to be
useful, and worse, they can hurt your chances. Keep in mind that what's
"general" or "normal" in one company is unusual in another. If you're an office professional, for
instance, your "general" duties may include filing, but not
necessarily. And if you performed
filing tasks, did you maintain the process, improve it or put a new process
in place? Breaking the "general"
into specifics will show the world what you've done. Using the “general” phrase also shows
hiring managers a measure of laziness, as they will think you couldn’t be
bothered to break it down further.
You don’t want to lead them to that assumption.
Give rationale and results. Why did
you do what you've done? What were
the reasons? What were the results
of your positive actions? If you do
something on the job, there must have been a reason or an objective. Likewise, there will be a (positive)
result. Whenever possible, give the
rationale for your actions and provide results. Instead of "Filed documents," try
"Instituted new filing system that increased departmental efficiency,
thereby reducing company payroll costs $3,720 annually." In this example, you have the
"what," the "why" and results. (We’ll discuss how to quantify your
results in next week’s post.)
IN THE CARAVAN: Don't be afraid to mention on your resume all of
the wonderful things you've done.
Also, whenever possible, mention the rationale for - and results of
- your actions.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Resumes
