The Smart Resume Blog

What exactly are accomplishments?

They are concrete examples that support your job responsibilities. They can be measured quantitatively, qualitatively, or in awards, promotions, and raises.

Why should you include them in your resume?

Employers want to see accomplishments not just job duties. By listing accomplishments, employers get an accurate picture of your contributions to a specific company. Presenting your work experience as accomplishments effectively shows your ability to solve problems, demonstrates your skills, and predicts how you might succeed on the job.

Here is a typical resume entry for an Administrative Assistant:

• Maintained department records
• Coordinated travel arrangements
• Processed invoices and expense reports
• Created memos and letters

Some people might think that this would be enough for a resume, but if these exact same duties are listed on other candidates’ resumes, how can an employer distinguish one from another? What you want to do is incorporate the results of these responsibilities.

Now check out this example:

• Implemented a department-wide filing system that was adopted by other business units within the company.
• Developed tracking system for invoice and expense reports that reduced financial errors by 75%.
• Arranged travel and accommodations for 30 people attending annual sales meeting.
• Created business correspondence in support of company goals and procedures.

When you compare the two, which version is more appealing?

To Create Effective Accomplishments:

• Use action verbs
• Use correct tense (current job=present tense; previous job=past tense)
• Incorporate related keywords
• Quantify achievements with numbers (percentage, dollar amount, etc.)

How to Get Started:

First write down all of your job responsibilities. Then ask yourself what results did you accomplish and finally what problems did it solve? If you take the time to reflect on your job experience and quantify your successes, you’ll increase your chances of getting an interview.

Objective statements are often too generic to be effective on any resume. Statements such as “Seeking an exciting and challenging position in [insert career field here]” or “To utilize my skills in [blank] to achieve [some professional goal]”, do not give an employer any insight into your professional experience. You can include your objectives - the type of position and opportunities you are seeking and type of organization you want to work for - in your cover letter. Given that most recruiters spend under 30 seconds scanning a resume, that prime real estate at the top of your resume should be used for something that is more likely to grab their attention.

A Qualification Summary Allows You To:

• Include additional skills to supplement your listed career experience. In a few bullet points you can address core strengths, work habits, and technical skills.
• Make your resume more keyword friendly for online submissions. The more matching keywords you include, the more likely your resume will show up in employers’ queries.
• Provide an employer with a better perspective of who you are and what you can offer.
• Mirror job requirements as listed in the posting.
• Make an effective case for a career change.

How to Write a Successful Qualification Summary:

• Don’t blindly write your qualification summary. Tailor it to the employer’s needs.
• Include your key strengths. Ask yourself what makes you the best candidate for the job?
• Start each bullet point with an action word or adjective.
• Avoid clichés and meaningless phrases.

Sample Office Manager Qualification Summary:

• Results-oriented and high energy professional with demonstrated experience in office management and employee relations.
• Expert knowledge of current human resources practices with comprehensive knowledge of hiring, training, and performance evaluation methods.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Creates and maintains positive business relationships with vendors, co-workers, and management.
• Technical skills include: Windows XP, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Curiosity is the key to a successful career, writes Steve Rubel on his blog, Micro Persuasion. With it you’ll find out what interests you and in the process dedicate yourself to a lifetime of learning.

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Can a blog lead to a new job? The Wall Street Journal says yes and no. A well planned blog can lead to job offers and business opportunities, but it is important to remain professional. Leave the pictures from your birthday bash offline.

This format focuses on skills and abilities detailing what a job seeker can do for an employer.

Key Features:

• Focuses on areas of expertise and measurable achievements
• Career history and background are grouped into skill sets
• Employment section lists company names, job titles and dates

Advantages:

• Clearly identifies strengths and your best skills
• Targeted to a specific position
• Highlights skills and experiences that were acquired through unpaid work experiences

Disadvantages:

• Most employers expect to see reverse chronological format
• Does not focus on a career path in a linear format

This Format Works Best For:

• Career changers
• New graduates
• Job seekers returning to the workforce
• Individuals with gaps in work history

These additional items, look great on a resume, are great topics in an interview, and can help elevate your career. Here’s six ways to add sparks to your resume.
1. International Experience

Diversity is big buzzword in the workplace. And it isn’t just about race and gender. It’s about bringing together people with different backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, and experiences. If you have spent a semester abroad, a summer backpacking through Europe, or you just love to travel, employers looking to add diversity will value your global experience.

2. Foreign Language Skills

Jobs across all industries are looking for employees with bilingual skills and the demand will continue to grow as more companies continue to expand abroad. A fluency in any language will definitely lead to exciting career opportunities.

3. Volunteer

Giving up some of your free time to help out your community is a humbling and rewarding experience. Companies value employees that are compassionate about their environment. It also shows that there’s more to you than just your career accomplishments.

4. Continuing Education

One of the best investments you can make while navigating your career is in education. Taking night classes or attending seminars and workshops keep your skills sharp and eventually enables you to position yourself as an expert in your chosen field. Employers will appreciate your passion, knowledge, and growing expertise.

5. Entrepreneurship

Employers want passionate and motivated employees. Whether you’ve started a company out of your college dorm or run a successful weekend business, the qualities that make up a successful entrepreneur are very valuable in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

6. Digital Skills

The digital age is here to stay, so why not get familiar with a few tools (blogging, wikis, HTML, RSS, web design, etc.) and dedicate yourself to mastering at least one. Identify what tools your industry utilizes and learn them well enough to remain competitive among other candidates.