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]]>Job consultants with hiring experience at the most competitive firms in the world agree: candidates making the most successful job searches make their resumes stand out with language that focuses on accomplishments, not just actions [2]. This is because about 40% of hiring managers spend fewer than 60 seconds reviewing any resume, so accomplishment-driven and numbers-based language offer the best chances of clearly communicating a candidate’s value than any other wording [3].
1. Breaking down daily tasks and responsibilities by the numbers
Productivity matters, and accomplishments tell a hiring manager more about potential value as an employee than just listing job duties.
Even in entry-level positions, it is possible to quantify performance. This includes, for example, number of customers helped per hour, number of projects managed at once, the average tipping percentage on severed tables, or the average customer rating for dedicated sales [4].
“accelerated,” “achieved,” “accomplished,” “changed,” “delivered,” “exceeded,” “expanded,” “generated,” “grew,” “improved,” “maximized,” “produced,” “sold,” “saved,” “streamlined.”
Given the above recommendations, it may be tempting to spend the duration of the resume boasting of superlative performance in every position. Yet job consultants also agree that nobody wants to hire a braggart, and the majority (75%) of hiring managers have caught a lie in a job seeker’s posturing [5, 3]. Candidates are therefore advised to frame accomplishments as actions taken to solve specific problems, particularly in ways that are familiar to the targeted hiring firm.
1. Use action-focused language
Action focused language elevates job seekers’ accomplishments from simply being incidental results of stellar performance to intentional outcomes of persistence and dedication.
An excellent resume identifies potential problems the hiring manager may be facing, then tailors the resume language to persuade them that you have relevant solutions.
“advised,” “assessed,” “bolstered,” “consulted,” “directed,” “facilitated,” “guided,” “implemented,” “influenced,” “lead,” “managed,” “oversaw,” “proved,” “results/resulting in.”
More recently, “power words” have gained traction among job seekers and job consultants alike. These words and phrases are rumored to dramatically increase the chances of making it past the lightning-quick initial resume review. This can lead to spending less time job searching and more time interviewing for new, better positions. While power words can prove helpful — potentially improving manual reviewers’ acceptance rates by as much as 20-30% — it is easy to overdo it [6].
Power words are most effective when you identify the power words most often present in job postings you’re interested in and practice mirroring them in relevant application materials [7].
As with persuasive language, power words used to brag or mislead hiring managers often has negative effects.
“administered,” “chaired,” “coordinated,” “controlled,” “devised,” “diagnosed,” “engineered,” “established,” “founded,” “influenced,” “launched,” “mobilized,” “remodeled,” “relaunched,” “transformed.”[8]
Related Post: Important Things You Need To Include In Your Resume
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to BC Jobs, he served as a marketing advisor for high-profile blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. He’s also worked with fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space.
The post Job Search Tips: Top 15 Words to Include on Your Resume appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
]]>The post Important Things You Need To Include In Your Resume appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
]]>When writing up your resume it can be easy to just write up a list of job descriptions and skills. While it is certainly important, having a list of skills is not going to help you stand out from other applicants. A resume full of job roles can make you appear one dimensional. On the other hand, if you list out your accomplishments and contributions, your resume suddenly becomes much more interesting. Therefore, when writing up job description, make sure to include what you accomplished in that role and give examples of the impacts you made and clients you met.
It may appear unnecessary at first but mentioning any side hustles or passion projects will be beneficial to your resume. Doing so will help your potential employer understand you better. In the end, they may select you based on the cool projects you tackle in your spare time. Highlighting your ability to work with others across different fields can help you secure your dream job. No company wants to hire someone who doesn’t have a drive other than work. In today’s climate of start-ups and entrepreneurship, new employees are required to have a range of different skills. Expanding your skills by trying out new things and acquiring new passions will make you more desirable on the job market.
You may think that freelance positions you were involved in are not worth mentionable on your resume. However, being involved with and taking on freelance work shows that you are able to adapt your skills for different clients and therefore highlights your versatility. Employers like people who can multitask. Highlighting previous freelance experiences will make your potential employer see that you have ambition to work hard for multiple projects. (cliniclesalpes.com) Working as a freelancer, regardless the size of the project, will help expand your portfolio. If you can, namedrop some previous clients and partners as it will make the employer more intrigued.
Many businesses value charitable involvement and like to support initiatives that boost their brand. When you highlight your past volunteer work, you’re showing potential employers that you have the social responsibility to help others and are willing to spare your time with unpaid work.
Volunteering is also a great way of try out new roles like social media or content creation. It can even show your potential employer that you have a life outside of your job.
While it’s important to include these things remember that you should tailor each resume to whatever job you’re applying to. Here are some general resume writing tips to keep in mind:
Beatrice is a professional copywriter. You can find her work at Academicbrits where she specializes in a range of topics. Beatrice is open to sharing her personal experiences and give advice to beginner writers who want to recognize the peculiarities of creating content that can be monetised.
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