How to Effectively Word Your Resume

Resumes have a particular language all their own, one designed to stress RESULTS as succinctly as possible. Deployed effectively, it can attract recruiter / hiring manager attention in SECONDS, and maintain it through your work history. Here are some basics:

1) AVOID THE FIRST PERSON TENSE

While it may be tempting to describe your skills and accomplishments this way (ex. "I was responsible for delivering multiple accounts during my tenure …") it is considered unprofessional in today"s marketplace. Instead, opt for THIRD-PERSON TENSE (ex. "Delivered multiple accounts during tenure") which contains a businesslike tone without the forbidden intimacy.

2) START EVERY SENTENCE WITH A VERB

This goes a long ways towards presenting an action-oriented document. Selection is critical; while words like "Strengthened" and "Liaised" strike the right balance between professional and unique, words like "Innovated" and "Rocketed" do not. A good rule of thumb: if you can not picture yourself using the verb in standard conversation, do not use it on your resume.

3) AVOID BUZZWORDS

One of the biggest pet peeves of hiring agents is having to slog through a resume packed with buzzwords. Frequent offenders include terms such as "Change Agent", "Goal-Oriented" and "Visionary", as well as now-meaningless cliches such as "Computer Savvy" and "Multi-Tasker". Go through your resume and delete such terms. If you"re having trouble, seek out a second opinion from an industry professional.

4) BREAK APART RUN-ON SENTENCES

A key component of an accessible resume are short sentences focusing on 1-2 key ideas. Instead of describing all aspects of a position or project (ex. "Addressed customer complaints, trained customer service staff, and implemented workflow improvements …") break apart separate ideas (ex. "Noted for rapidly addressing customer complaints. Delivered hands- on customer service staff training. Identified and successfully introduced workflow improvements. "). This makes your abilities pop out, and safeguards against confusion.

How to Effectively Word Your Resume