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Resumes by their very nature are a history document. To a significant extent, they summarize your past employment, background, accomplishments, education and experiences.
However, the act of job searching is future focused. You are trying to land future employment and the next step in your career. You want your next job to be better than your last one and you want the feeling that the future will be better because of that job. So, what’s the best way to capitalize on your past history with your future employment hopes?
Look at your resume as more than a checklist of your past. If you focus on ways to make it a dynamic document, you’ll bring more energy and life to it. It will become more future-focused and in line with your abilities to handle your next job.
Try some of the following:
Verbs – People often use passive verbs in describing their background. Look at each verb in your resume and see whether it’s possible to make them active verbs. For example, instead of saying that you handled a caseload of files, could you say that you directed a file caseload? Passive verbs do not relay energy or ability to perform.
Buzzwords – Avoid or modify them. Nothing says blasé like phrases such as problem solver, team player or motivated. If you can tie the buzzword to an actual accomplishment, you should do so. As an example if your resume states that you are an effective team player, tie it to an accomplishment such as you received a gold award as team employee of the month. Make the words mean something concrete.
Numbers – Nothing says experience and capability like quantifiable numbers. Instead of saying that you reviewed claims, say that you reviewed and successfully closed approximately 100 claim files per month. If you’re a trial attorney, detail your trials by first, second chair, to verdict, settled. Always include dollar amounts where you can show either revenue generation or cost savings to a past employer. Prospective employers like to know that you recognize the importance of revenue and expenses.
Try reviewing your resume in the context of a biographical novel that will hold your interest rather than an historical account of your past. The more substantive and active that it is, the more it will stand out from the abundance of dull ones being read by a prospective employer.
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