Jazz Up Your Resume

It’s hard to sell yourself on a single piece of paper, especially when the largest chunk of copy reads like a dry checklist. The Employment History section of your resume is vital to the hiring process, so focus your efforts on making it as engaging and dynamic as possible.

Make every word count

The worst mistake someone can make on their resume, next to lying (more on that later), is to write like a robot. Active verbs and captivating descriptions catch the eye when skimming, as opposed to a phrase beginning “responsibilities included,” which doesn’t sound enthused or involved at all—and may make employers worry about how you would fare in the position they are offering.

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When presenting information about your previous jobs, organize it in such a way that it doesn’t overwhelm the reader or bury the important accomplishments. A bulleted list can be difficult to categorize into duties (what you handled) and accomplishments (what you did). It’s sometimes easier to write a narrative about a past position, but that also dilutes key facts. Combine the two formats for a paragraph of your tasks and a list of your successes.

 

Be specific

A surefire way to get lost in the resume shuffle is to put the job description of your previous position as your work experience. Many people have similar jobs that sound the same. Even if it aptly describes your duties, it tells a prospective employer nothing about your specific talents and qualifications.

Specificity is what can land you a position. When possible, add hard numbers and data (or percentages and ratios) to illustrate just how well you performed. Write down your accomplishments to highlight the end result: what you did, followed by what problem it solved and how you achieved that goal. This concept, called “PAR” for Problem, Action, Results, is a simple way to break down the sometimes complicated processes of work into a succinct format for your resume.

Focus on this position

When you write about your achievements, make sure they relate to the position for which you are applying. Above all, your resume is a marketing tool, so be sure to include information that will sell you to prospective employers. It’s fine to allow some information that doesn’t directly apply to the job you’re searching for, but try to streamline your work experience to focus on your current goal.

Finally, don’t try to beef up your resume by exaggerating accomplishments or adding responsibilities that aren’t true. Not only is this a shoddy work ethic, but it could also get you in trouble when your new boss asks you to do something you claimed to have experience in.

Present with confidence

Once your work experience is strong, deliver your resume with full trust in your background to land the right position. You can catch employers’ attention, give them details about your past, and match yourself to their needs—the perfect recipe for standing out from the crowd.

PsychPros can help set you apart from the masses of job seekers! Contact our recruiters and let us help you land the perfect job.
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