Résumé Help: The Classic Undersell
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The purpose of your résumé is to “get your foot in the door” of a potential employer. If you save your best selling points for the interview, you will likely not have an interview. You’ve got to come out with your strong selling points in the résumé so you can earn the interview invitation.
Today’s example is the classic undersell. The candidate barely states the case that she is a competent employee, much less a stellar candidate. She does not show results of any of her actions. She does not show the scope of her responsibilities. The closest she comes to showing she was a good employee was the mention of an recognition for duties performed. Even then, we do not see what merited the recognition. The statements are mostly passive, which tends to lull a reader. It is wise to start each statement with a strong action verb to create excitement about the candidate’s accomplishments. I know this candidate and she has so much to offer. The résumé does not reflect her talents.
In addition to the lack of achievements, the candidate misses the opportunities to start with a bang. Rather than starting with a summary of
the values she offers, she skips a summary of qualifications section and dives right into her professional experience. A summary puts the candidate’s history into context. It is a brief three to four-line section that packs a big punch.
Do you feel your résumé is not a strong sales tool? Try the above suggestions. If you are still struggling, contact me I would be happy to help you win the interviews that you deserve. For more résumé help, check out these articles:
Résumé Help: Asking Questions to Uncover Accomplishments