Resume Help: Bullets Lead to Boredom

Today’s resume for review is an experienced, credentialed tax accountant.  The biggest problem with the resume is that each section consists of a long list of bullets.  There are several reasons why a resume heavy with bullets is not effective.  Aesthetically, it resembles a shopping list.  Secondly, when a resume is heavy with bullets, readers tend to scan list and not read every single item.  In other words, key information can be lost.

The best way to transform today’s example resume is to add an element of variety to the resume. This will give the eyes a break when reading.  Also, it having some sections in a narrative format and some in bullets will help the reader distinguish different types of information.  

The strategy that I recommend for this candidate is:

Summary of Qualification:  Narrative (paragraph) format

Core Competencies:  A three-row, three column format with each competency (skill or area of expertise) depicted in one to three words.

Professional Experience:  For each job, start with a narrative format covering major duties and the scope of responsibility. Follow with a few bulleted statements with the top accomplishments for the particular job.

Education:  Standard two-line listing with name of college on one line and the degree/field of study on the next line.

Credentials:  Here he can show his two impressive credentials: CPA and IRS Enrolled Agent.  The other items that the candidate listed on his draft resume should be moved to the Core Competencies section.

With these simple changes, the candidate’s resume will improve drastically.  It will be more visually appealing and the reader will be able to absorb the information to prove the candidate’s qualification.  If you are stuck when it comes to writing your resume, contact me and I would be happy to help you.