Writing an accomplishment-based resume.
Envision a recruiter or human resources professional sifting through hundreds if not thousands of resumes. What criteria do they look for in the 20 to 30 second scan of each resume in order to choose a limited number of people to call for an interview? They immediately eliminate resumes with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. They also cast aside resumes that purely outline the job’s responsibilities.
Simply put, you have to make a hiring manager want to read your resume and entice them to read more and more. Only a resume with detailed accomplishments will quench the thirst of a decision-maker in your future career.
The more senior the position you are seeking, the more critical accomplishments are! You need to provide evidence of results and how they were achieved. This implies to the reader that you can perform for them.
For example: You are a Logistics Manager with diverse responsibilities in warehousing, transportation, inventory control, purchasing, and contract negotiations. You have a broad responsibility and a multitude of accomplishments.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other Logistics Managers in the race for the same position? Highlight accomplishments, accomplishments, and accomplishments.
So many questions to answer! Did you save the company any money? If so, how much? Have you reduced the inventory by installing a new system or instituted JIT? Have you consolidated transportation companies, renegotiated contracts, or spearheaded any projects?
Once you have brainstormed all your key accomplishments, document each one in a bullet format starting with an action verb. This is the information recruiters and human resources professionals are looking for. This is what sets you aside as a viable candidate.
Write your resume as your sales pitch. Utilizing keywords particular to your industry is also critical. For instance, in logistics it could be: materials management, MRP, CIRM, outsourcing, RFP, RFQ and the list goes on. Integrate the keywords into your accomplishment and you have the ingredients for a powerful resume.
A résumé is a brag document; not a time to be modest. Make yourself stand out!
Martin Buckland is a Professional Career Management Expert with offices in the U.S. and Canada. President of Elite Resumes, he is certified in resume writing, executive & career coaching, job search strategies, personal branding and interview coaching. He has extensive knowledge of the best strategies to secure a job most effectively and is well networked with recruiters and human resource professionals across North America. For more information on his services view: www.aneliteresume.com or call 1-866-773-7863.
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