Does your resume do its job?
Your résumé should be a compelling story about you—not just a list of generic phrases and buzzwords that don’t reflect your individuality. To make your résumé stand out and truly represent you, follow these tips:
1. Tell Your Story Using “I”
Don’t shy away from using “I” in your résumé. You are the subject, so be clear about your contributions and the impact you made. For example:
- Before: “Results-oriented Marketing professional looking for a new challenge.”
- After: “I’m a healthcare marketer passionate about driving sales through creative marketing strategies. At XYZ, I grew sales from $2M to $20M in four years.”
This instantly personalizes your résumé, giving the hiring manager a sense of your personality and the tangible value you bring.
2. Replace Generic Phrases with Specific Achievements
Avoid using language that could apply to anyone, like “results-oriented” or “detail-focused.” Instead, highlight what you accomplished:
- Before: “Responsible for leading marketing initiatives.”
- After: “I launched an integrated marketing campaign that increased customer engagement by 35% in six months.”
This shift shows the outcomes of your efforts, making your achievements clear and quantifiable.
3. Use Conversational, Human Language
Many résumés fall into the trap of sounding too robotic with overly formal business language. Avoid this by writing in a natural tone. Here’s how you can reframe common résumé language:
- Before: “Tasked with managing digital campaigns.”
- After: “I managed digital campaigns, using analytics to refine our approach, which led to a 20% increase in lead generation.”
This not only conveys your responsibilities but also your strategic thinking and the impact you made.
4. Focus on What You Left in Your Wake
Instead of listing duties, talk about the lasting effects of your work. What did you achieve, and how did you change the role or company for the better?
- Example: “I implemented a new CRM system that streamlined the sales process, reducing lead response time by 50%.”
5. Show Your Passion and Motivation
Let your enthusiasm and passion come through. Mention what you love about your work, and it will resonate with hiring managers looking for candidates who care about what they do.
- Example: “I’m passionate about using data-driven marketing to solve complex challenges and love seeing how the right strategies can transform a business.”
Conclusion
Your résumé should reflect you, not a template. Use first-person language, talk about your specific contributions, and let your passion shine through. While not every hiring manager may appreciate this approach, the right one will—and that’s the one who deserves to have you on their team!