Effective Ways To Get Specific When You Write Your Resume

Posted on: 15 November 2017

Whenever you submit your resume in the hopes of getting called for a job interview, you need to remember that the manager who will hopefully take a few minutes to go through your application is also looking at many others. Anyone who reads numerous resumes back to back will be inundated with cliches — sentiments such as working well individually and as a team member, handling deadlines well, and being effective in dealing with customers. If you rely on these phrases, your resume can often appear generic and may not get the attention you want it to. A key to avoid this situation is to get as specific as possible. Here are some ways to do so.

Cite Actual Scenarios

Instead of using generic statements that other job seekers are likely using, too, get specific with your resume by outlining actual scenarios that you've encountered. For example, instead of saying that you work well as a team, you could write that you have eight employees who report to you and that you attend daily briefings with your immediate supervisor. This sentiment conveys the message that you're a team player but does so in more of an illustrative manner.

Provide Education Details

For many job seekers, the education component of their resume can lack detail. For example, you might write the name of your college, what degree you received, and the years that you attended. However, you should also devote a couple lines to providing specific details that relate to the position for which you're applying. For example, if you were educated in hospitality management, you could write that you organized a gala for more than 100 people as part of a major year-end project and received an "A" grade on it.

Relate Points Directly To The Job Description

You should always have a copy of the job description next to you when you're writing a resume for that position. This way, you can provide specific details about your work history that tie in with the job that you hope to get. For example, one of the requirements of the new position may be that you need to give presentations to small groups. Instead of saying "I am comfortable giving presentations to small groups," write how you presented in front of groups of up to 25 members once a week as part of a past job, and then explain some of the techniques that you used for these presentations. This specificity will make your resume stand out more to the person doing the hiring.

For more help, contact a company like JWC Professional Resume Services.

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