Résumé Help: Déjà Vu
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No, the sample above is not a copy and paste mistake on my part. This candidate actually has identical information for two jobs on her résumé. This issue is more common than one would imagine. It is especially common in technology-related occupations, in which a person may continue to do similar or the same functions over several years, or multiple jobs. The scope of the candidate’s responsibility grows, but if that is not illustrated on the résumé, it looks like the candidate is stagnant in his career. Also, when someone starts to read the same description twice, she will get the impression that the writer was lazy in developing her résumé or that she is clueless. Déjà vu résumés are definite interview blockers.
With some effort the candidate can resolve this problem. First, do not rely on a job posting to create
your résumé. Define the scope of your responsibility. How many users? How many locations? What is the size of your inventory or budget? Show a progression in your responsibility. Next, take time to think about what you have accomplished in each job. What did you do beyond the job description? What major problems did you solve? Did you create a new processes or product? Did you prevent a major client from leaving? There are dozens of ways in which you separated yourself from your co-workers. With this new information, your job descriptions will be more compelling and your readers will not be left with a feeling of déjà vu.
Would you like to read more articles related to this subject? If so, please check out these articles:
Stronger Bullet Points on Résumés and Cover Letters
Copied From the Job Description