"Drives results", "committed", "seeking a job where I'm challenged."
These are a few cringe worthy resume words and phrases.
Why?
These are things you need to do to keep a job, not land a new one or even get a promotion. These are bare minimum requirements. If you list these items feel free to also list "shows up on time."
After years of looking through resumes and now helping my clients build them, I want to walk through each section of a resume and give my two cents.
Objective
Take it out. I hate this section because we all have the same objective, to get a job. The job you apply for is the objective. Writing a sentence about said job ends up clunky and awkward.
Instead put a one liner under your name that represents your value.
What do you make better?
Do you grow revenues through systems improvements?
Do you listen to your clients to build robust solutions?
Education
List the school(s) you graduated from but leave out GPA and year you graduated. (unless you're a new grad) Otherwise stick to simply listing the school and degree received.
Experience
This section should take you the longest to write because you need to truly think about your contributions to each role. You aren't getting noticed based on a bullet point about what you did. The bullet points instead need to be about how you contributed to the bottom line and the team.
How did you make that workplace better?
Did you save them a boatload of money or time?
Did you create a new system that streamlined a process?
Did you form a committee that made the place a more fun environment thus reducing company turnover? (This is why those committees are formed!)
Spend some time thinking outside the day to day tasks and go deeper.
Tools
Microsoft office isn't a skill. Instead list actual systems you've used.
Skills
Your skills should be a mix of fingerprints and checkboxes.
Checkboxes are things like:
P&L Management
Sales Leadership
Project Management
Product Marketing
Fingerprints are the things that make you you.
After reviewing resumes for years I have two highly coveted skills I always look for; resourcefulness and attention to detail. I don't care how much actual work experience you have, if you possess these skills you can become successful at any job.
Again, think outside the box a bit.What are skills your friends and family praise you for? I'm incredibly organized which has always led me to streamlining work processes.
Accomplishments
The spelling bee you won in the sixth grade is not a resume worthy accomplishment.
Recent graduates
Leave out high school honors. Instead talk about group projects with outside companies for your senior year project.
List any scholarships you won while in school
Teaching assistant positions are also a great way to show you helped an expert in the field.
Seasoned professionals
Many companies have annual awards for contributions. Have you won any of these? Share them!
Are you the member of a board or organization in your field? That goes here.
As my grandmother used to say, if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all. In that same vein, if you don't have any accomplishments leave this section out. As a seasoned professional your resume is probably long enough that this section isn't warranted anyway.
Now go punch up that resume and get noticed!
Still need help? Click here to schedule a free 30 minute session with me to learn how I can create a solid document you're proud to apply for jobs with.