Resumes have a certain rhythm all their own: they mostly rely on bulleted phrases that begin with past-tense verbs introducing strong accomplishments. They are peppered with key words or phrases, significant only to your trade, profession, or position... Or at least resumes should resonate with this rhythm. If yours does not, perhaps that is why the interviews are few and far-between? Read on to learn how to put resume-speak vocabulary to work for your job-search success.
Key Words and Phrases
Human Resource Software
These days, with hundreds, thousands, and even tens of thousands applying to job postings, larger companies rely on specialized software that filters resume content to identify potential matches. The software looks for "key" words chosen by the employer. What are these key words? Generally, these are hard skills associated with your position, for example, contract negotiations (for a Sales Professional), staff scheduling (for a Retail Manager), or recruitment best practices (for Human Resource Professional).
A job ad often (not always) lists the key words and phrases pertinent to that company's needs. And, of course, key word choices are available in bookstores, libraries, and on the internet.
Verb-Power
If your resume reads "Responsible for.... Provided... Assisted..." then you have a position description, not a resume. You don't want to simply describe your job; you want to showcase your value. Verbs such as "developed... presented... rectified...persuaded... combined... repaired... customized... corrected... prevented... led... enhanced... assembled... solved..." represent the action-oriented language that you must include in your resume. These verbs will address the employer's needs by relating your job accomplishments to profit-enhancements, productivity boosters, and performance improvements.
Authenticity
Leave behind the samples on the internet, otherwise your resume will read like a compilation of recycled resume-babble so readily available, and so often used, by job-hunters. Write authentically, using language that you use on a daily basis, conveying what you love about your chosen profession or trade, and highlighting the excellent work that you provided at your places of employment. Copy and pasting internet-accessed resume content stands out not for ringing with sincerity, but for reading like a plagiarized piece of copy and paste!
One more tip to share. When you finally sit down at the computer to tackle your resume, do make sure that you have the proper attitude. Attitude has a way of filtering through your language, and shows in your degree of effort. A resume will impact how quickly you return to work (or how long you stay unemployed if it's ineffective); it can influence the level and salary of what you are offered (lower if the resume seems junior; higher if it paints you as an incredible hire); and, as it resides in your employee file, it may be reviewed by management as they consider you for a promotion, or for a newly created position. Don't underestimate the power that a resume wields on your career. A resume's influence, good or bad, only begins with landing more interviews.
Copyright©2009 New Leaf Resumes. Feel free to reprint this article, but please provide the author with full credit.
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