Your Accomplishments Matter

In today's world of electronic wizardry, scannable resumes are becoming used increasingly. Many employers are scanning resumes and entering them into a database for further review. In some cases, the resumes are searched for certain keywords to ascertain whether or not a person should be considered for possible employment.

To ensure you have a scannable resume, pay close attention to the following tips and techniques. Your next job may depend upon the knowledge you gain from reading this article.
Scannable Resumes: Tips and Techniques scannable resumes, resumes that can be scanned

* To maximize the computer's ability to read your resume, submit the cleanest possible original and use a standard resume format
* Use standard, easy-to-read fonts - Arial, Times New Roman or Helvetica
* The font should be between 10-14 points
* Left justify text and do not use bullets or lines
* Save your resume in a rich text file (RTF) format
* Omit borders, graphics and unusual text formatting (underlining, bolding, italics)
* Spell out words instead of using symbols (#, @, %, and such)
* Use keywords and/or buzzwords associated with the position you are seeking as it will increase the likelihood of an employer matching your resume with the requirements of the position
* Spell check the document before sending it to anyone
* Always preface your resume with a cover letter

Scannable resumes include the same information as a traditional paper resume. The formatting is simply different since all word processors do not handle certain aspects of writing (such as symbols and lines) the same way.

In general, a resume that can be scanned has the same major headings as a traditional resume. These include: a header that includes your name, address, and phone number; job objective; work experience; education, honors, activities and any certifications or publications.

The format that is most likely to find favor with employers is the Chronological Resume Format. It is the easiest to read and an applicant's qualifications are straightforward and quick to ascertain.

Be sure to determine an employer's specific needs with regard to the specific style or format for submitting your resume, though. Some companies define the guidelines on their websites for sending in resumes. With something like this, doing your research can really pay off.

Enhancing scannable resumes is even better when you follow this link to Resume Do's and Don'ts
How would you define "accomplishments"?
Here are some synonyms.

* Achievement
* Success
* Expertise
* Realization
* Attainment
* Goal Fulfillment

The easiest definition: when you do something successfully. From an employer's standpoint, it is even better if you can state your achievements in a measurable or quantifiable way. What does that mean? Use numbers whenever you can to state HOW you achieved the results you are affirming.
For instance, if you increased production of the best selling product at your company, HOW MUCH did you increase it by? Quantify your statements whenever possible.

Your accomplishments distinguish you from your competitors in the job-search process. All things being equal, if a hiring manager were looking at two identical prospective employees who could handle the tasks of the job perfectly well, but one had accomplished more than the other, who do you think is going to get a phone call?
State what you can offer in terms that the employer will find exciting.
As mentioned above, use numbers to quantify your success. Also, use words that show action. Some of those words are listed here:

Action/Keywords

When you write your resume and cover letter – and even in an interview – expressing your achievements is extremely important. The employer needs to know that you did more than simply complete a variety of tasks. Don't be shy here. Be bold (not arrogant) in asserting your ability to realize goals, gain expertise in certain areas and succeed at what you do.

Why do employers place such an emphasis on accomplishments?

Think of it this way: Many people can perform tasks. How many of them look for improve their own work environment? How many attempt to help their boss succeed? The person who goes above and beyond the "call of duty" is the one that employers are especially looking for.

Communicating your accomplishments to an employer goes beyond simply stating the skills you have. It describes HOW WELL you utilize the skills and abilities you have. For instance, let's say you are an automotive mechanic. You diagnose and repair engines using computer diagnostics. But let's say you also focus extra time and energy on mastering the ability to repair ignition problems. You may have even won an award at your last job for doing just that. The employer wants to know what you have done that goes above and beyond what is normally expected of you. Blow your own horn! (Please forgive the pun.)

Think about everything you accomplish each day at your job and how you demonstrate your proficiency at various tasks. What makes you so good at what you do? How are you able to exhibit your determination to succeed? Dig a bit into the whys and hows of your job and how you do so well and you will start to understand the essence of true achievement.

As you create a list of your accomplishments, you will get an extra benefit from going through this process.

You will feel more confident about yourself.
Keep all of these good vibes with you while you are writing your resume, your cover letter AND as you interview. The positive flow of energy that will emanate from you will be so contagious that the hiring manager will take notice of you immediately. Everyone likes to be around someone who is self-assured and energetic.

What is the best part of all of this? No blue smoke and mirrors were needed to create this scene. It's all you.

It is the real you.

So enjoy who you are and relate it in the best possible way to employers. All that you have attained in times past will propel you into the future with an assurance of continued success.

Resume Action Keywords

GET NOTICED!

Resume Action Keywords are power packed verbs that draw the attention of a prospective employer immediately. They enhance resumes and cover letters and transform mundane writing to energetic marketing masterpieces.

All you need to do is substitute the Resume Action Keywords for the less-than-exciting words in your resume.

For instance:

Katherine's cover letter lacked excitement and zeal. She stated the tasks she performed on her past jobs, but didn't make her contributions truly stand out.

Her first draft: "Watched over front office staff, handled phone calls from upset customers, worked on a new billing procedure, entered information in customer accounts on the computer, made work schedule and sent out mailers."

Revised with ACTION VERBS from the Resume Action Keywords list: "Supervised front office staff, facilitated the resolution of customer inquires and concerns, created a streamlined billing procedure that reduced workflow by 20%, maintained customer accounts database in MS Excel, prepared word schedule for a 10 member employee team and distributed direct mail campaign materials."

It should be obvious that the second version is much more powerful and well-defined. Katherine's job responsibilities appear to be (and really are) more significant when explained with words that inject enthusiasm, confidence and vitality.

How can your resume and cover letter
be enhanced with these powerful Action Keywords?

Go through your personal marketing materials, one section at a time, and substitute words from the Keyword list for words in your cover letter and resume. Transforming any piece of writing from mediocre to phenomenal takes time, but the benefits are beyond value.

If you want to get an excellent job, you must ensure your resume and cover letter are of the highest quality. Inject enthusiasm whenever you can. Boost your materials with those powerful action verbs so that your next employer will see just how excited you are about what you do.
By using these awesome keywords, you can take a boring resume and turn in into a power-packed marketing piece that cannot be ignored.

Take the time to do it right

The rewards are all yours

The Three C's of Resume Creation

When you start writing your resume, you need to pay attention to a lot of different things. It's a little like golf. Keep your knees slightly bent. Follow the ball with your eyes. Swing all the way through the stroke. It just goes on and on. How is one person supposed to remember all of those things at once?

It's the same way with resume writing. Keep all of your verbs in the same tense (usually past tense). Inject enthusiasm into the resume wherever possible. Show your accomplishments rather than relate the tasks you have handled in the past. Leave enough white space on the resume so that it doesn't look cluttered. It just never seems to stop.
One way to make the whole process a little easier is to plan your resume out before actually drafting it on a computer. Focus on one thing at a time and move ahead when you feel like you have one step conquered.

Writing a resume isn't much fun. When you do it yourself, though, you have a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, which in turn helps you answer those tough interview questions later on. Think of the resume writing process as a self-improvement project. You will have a chance to reflect on your career, your personal and professional skills, your accomplishments and your future career goals as well as be better prepared for the future.

To make the most of the opportunity, take a look at the Three C's of Resume Creation shown below. Each "C" word will help you focus on a different aspect of the resume and will help you ensure that it accomplishes what it is supposed to accomplish.
Here are the Three C's of Resume Creation
The first "C" – Content

There are two basic elements of a resume. The first is design and the second is content. The design is the format (chronological, functional, combination). The second is the tough part as it entails the aspects of your personal and professional background that make up the "content" of the resume. The content is what determines if you are called for an interview or not. First and foremost, make sure your resume is free of flaws. If you have typos and grammar errors, you do not stand much of a chance of being seriously considered.

The second "C" – Character

This is a subcategory of the first "C". An employer wants to know what kind of person you are. Show the employer that you are a problem solver, results-oriented, loyal and determined to succeed and you will do much better at making a good impression than someone who simply states their employment history.

The third "C" – Competency

This is also a subcategory of the first "C". You have to prove that you can do the job. Are you adequately trained, educated and accomplished? Use active language to clearly SHOW just what you have achieved and how your qualifications match the exact needs of the organization.

You can create a resume that looks fantastic and impresses the employer, but it takes effort and thought. Do it right. There is no point in crafting a resume if it doesn't accomplish what you want it to accomplish. Put the time in to make it a professional document and you will find that the job of your dreams is very likely just around the corner. Just remember "The Three C's of Resume Creation".