Remember English Composition? How you slaved over every assignment to write the prose of your life? As you sit down to write your resume, you can forget most of what you learned. The best resumes violate practically all the rules your professors struggled so hard to teach.
Your goal in writing a resume is to make the reader's job as easy as possible. Write in the active voice in a straightforward, economical style. Keep your sentences relatively short and to the point. Personal pronouns are unnecessary, because they are implied. Helping and being verbs are too passive you can eliminate them as well. If you're running out of space on the page, you can also get rid of most articles. Finally, avoid cryptic abbreviations and obscure acronyms. Spell out everything so the employer knows what you're talking about.
If I See That Word on a Resume One More Time, I'm Going to Scream Your goal is to write your resume in such a way that the reader instantly comprehends what you're talking about. Un fortunately, many resume writ ers ignore this basic concept and try to use words they believe will prove to the employer that they are intelligent, clever, and have a good vocabulary. Too bad that the employers don't see it the same way.
Use language that is readily comprehensible to the layperson, but demonstrates your familiarity with the buzzwords and terms commonly used in your prospective field. For example, if you're a lawyer you meet with "clients." If you're a sales representative you handle "accounts." If you're a programmer you deal with "end users." The idea is to employ language that proves to industry insiders that you know your stuff. On the other hand, don't let your resume become so jargon laden that it can only be understood by a specialist.
Results Rule
The most difficult part of resume writing is describing your experiences. The most effective approach is to begin each job description with a power verb. Improved, increased, and attained are all examples of power verbs. They stress results, which are, after all, what employers care about most. Leading off with a power verb will catch the reader's attention and draw them into your description. Depending on the accomplishment you're trying to describe, you can string together two or more power verbs to add some extra punch to your description.
Qualification
Resolved staff management conflicts in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
The tricky part is finding just the right words to communicate your abilities and accomplishments. Try varying your language as much as possible. Too much repetition will lull your reader to sleep. Keep a thesaurus by your side as you write, along with this handy list of power verbs.
TRASHPROOF RESUMES
Originated the "Fashion Compassion Ball” an annual fundraiser for battered women.
Revolutionized the use of Styrofoam models in print advertising.
Power Verbs That Demonstrate Counseling, Helping, or Mediating Skills
Aided the homeless with all aspects of their job search.
Attended to the daily needs of nursing home residents.
Assisted students with the career decision making process.
Collaborated on the design of a new billing system.
Contributed to the development of the restaurant's new outdoor seating area.
Counseled college seniors on the transition from school to work.
Comforted children suffering from various serious illnesses.
Facilitated the installation of a multimedia exhibit honoring female athletes.
Fostered the reconciliation between African American and Jewish residents in Crown Heights.
Guided high school students through the college application process.
Helped victims of child abuse regain their self esteem.
Instilled confidence in individuals trying to overcome their fear of flying.
Mentored high school students considering careers in physical therapy.
Provided warmth and companionship to children suffering from leukemia.
Settled disagreements between landlords and tenants.
Supported sales efforts of brokers by maintaining up to date client records.
Tutored elementary school students in basic math.
Treated patients with multiple psychological disorders.
Power Verbs That Demonstrate the Ability to Convince or Sell
Arbitrated a settlement between team owners and players.
Convinced owner to introduce daily drink specials resulting in a twenty percent increase in profits.
Dissuaded union members from voting in favor of a walkout.
Encouraged dormitory residents to participate in weekly "town hall" meetings.
Marketed carpentry services via phone and direct mail.
Mediated conflicts between quarreling roommates.
Negotiated contracts on behalf of 1,200 union members.
Persuaded shoppers to sample perfumes and colognes.
Promoted long distance telephone services to businesses in the New York metropolitan area.
Publicized film screenings via flyers, posters, and ads in the local paper.
Resolved disputes between management and staff concerning salary increases.
Sold advertising space to clothing retailers throughout California.
Secured new accounts by making in person sales presentations.
Solicited alumni for contributions to restore the damaged cathedral.
Some More Useful Power Verbs
Adapted teaching style to meet the needs of inner city youth.
Attained the level of black belt after three months of intensive karate lessons.
Augmented sales by 25% through extensive phone follow up.
Awarded the Anderson Medal for superior sportsmanship.
Boosted net retail sales by 50% over the last quarter.
Broadened awareness of Middle Eastern politics through extensive travel.
Built temporary housing for the homeless.
Calculated daily shifts in foreign exchange rates.
Catered awards ceremonies for up to 3,000 attendees.
Decreased the average wait for registration by 25%.
Developed expertise on the subject of vintage French wines.
Ensured customer accounts complied with Federal Reserve regulations.
Eliminated dangerous admission rites for newly accepted fraternity brothers.
Exceeded monthly sales quotas a record 15 consecutive times.
Excelled at providing professional, courteous, and efficient service.
Expanded retail operations to 50 sites nationwide.
Expedited the processing of transcript requests.
Fabricated all molds and tools by hand.
Financed 75% of college education through full time work.
Gained experience with a variety of desktop publishing programs.
Generated significant student interest in CIEE's work abroad programs. Improved relations between staff and management through monthly gripe sessions, Increased paid membership by 200% within two years.
Launched a campus wide public relations campaign for the Schick Tracer.
Mastered spoken Greek while traveling throughout Crete.
Modernized the recreation center by introducing the latest line of Nautilus machines.
Published a monthly newsletter listing internship opportunities nationwide.
Raised the ability and confidence level of beginning racquetball players.
Reconciled out of balance expense accounts.
Reduced campus waste by introducing a dorm based recycling plan.
Revamped the school library, making it accessible to those with impaired mobility.
Revitalized cheer leading squad through modernized costumes and dance routines.
Saved employer $20,000 by revamping vendor system.
Shopped retail establishments to determine current fashion trends.
Strengthened business relationships by providing superior customer service.
Supplemented lectures with role plays and interactive group exercises.
Tended bar at an exclusive Soho drinking establishment.
Utilized spreadsheet software to aid with line planning.
