Last updated on Feb 16, 2024
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Use action verbs
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Quantify your achievements
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Tailor your resume to the job
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Use keywords and phrases
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Format your resume properly
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Here’s what else to consider
Your work experience is one of the most important sections of your resume. It shows potential employers what you have done, how you have contributed, and what skills you have gained. However, writing about your work experience can be challenging, especially if you have a lot of jobs, gaps, or career changes. How can you describe your work experience in a way that showcases your value and relevance? Here are some effective ways to do that.
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- Caio Sampaio Content Editor | SEO Copywriter | Career Expert, CPRW
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- Isabela Fernandes de Freitas Especialista em Recrutamento e Seleção | Mentora de Carreira | Recolocação Profissional | Palestrante | TOP 10 Coaching…
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1 Use action verbs
Start each bullet point of your work experience with a strong action verb that demonstrates what you did and how you did it. Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and impactful, and they help you avoid using passive or vague language. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for managing a team of 10", say "Managed a team of 10 and achieved a 15% increase in sales". Some examples of action verbs are: created, led, improved, analyzed, collaborated, and delivered.
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Leaning into the XYZ method is always recommended for creating high impact resume bullets; what you've accomplished (X) + the qualitative results (Y) + the skills or experience you utilized to achieve the outcome (Z)
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- Jay Colan Career Coach | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Development | Social Media | Career Alternatives
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Focus on your deliverables. How do your efforts in some way, even indirectly, contribute to increased revenue and decreased costs? Deliverables can be increased revenue, reduced risk, sped up time-to-market, increased conversions, retained clients...Use metrics if possible. Percentages may give a more dramatic result and don't reveal information private to the company.Have some of your bullet points start with the result. (i.e.Increased revenue 5% by (doing)....).
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- Umar Hayyat ✪ Top 5% Status for Quality Contributions | Resume Writer | ATS Resume Writer | Certified Resume Writer | Executive Resume Writer | Tech Resume Writer | CV Writer | Boost Your Resume | Resume that speak louder than words
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Include using action verbs to start each bullet point, quantifying achievements with numbers or percentages, highlighting specific skills utilized or developed, focusing on results and contributions rather than just duties, and tailoring descriptions to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.
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- Sharon Goldstein, M.S., CPC Resume Writer | Interview Coach | LinkedIn | Career Coach | Recruiter | Work/Life Balance Speaker | 2018 Fellow at Lead New Jersey
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Best to focus on how you contributed to the deliverables- not just what those deliverables are. Be wary of statistics without context.
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- Ellie Dennhardt Senior Revenue Recruiter @ Docebo - WE ARE HIRING!!
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- Keep it simple and concise - stick to a few key/main points (leave out the fluff like good communication/time management/organisation and get to meat of your role!).- Use bullet points of similar to keep it easy to read at a glance.- Highlight key wins, metrics, targets achieved or projects worked on.- Where possible use key words and or highlight things that relate back to the role/s you are applying for.
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2 Quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or other metrics to quantify your achievements and show the results of your work. Quantifying your achievements helps you stand out from other candidates and prove your value to employers. It also makes your resume more specific and credible, and it helps you avoid using generic or fluffy statements. For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction", say "Improved customer satisfaction by 20% and reduced complaints by 50%". Some examples of metrics are: revenue, costs, time, volume, quality, and ratings.
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- Jamile Abreu Especialista em Recolocação Profissional | JobHunter | Treinadora de Entrevista | Currículo | LinkedIn | Suporte ao Processo Seletivo.
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Agora que você já disse quem você é e disse o que você é capaz de fazer bem, você vai justificar isso com uma experiência concreta.Aqui você vai colocar os seus principais resultados pra mostrar o seu maior potencial para a empresa.Isso gera muita credibilidade na sua trajetória.
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One of the most effective piece of advice I always share is that you shouldn't list your experience by writing the job description of your role.I.e. You work as Software Engineer? Of course you will 'build software to address the company's long term goals and ambitions'.Tell me instead how you overcome challenges in doing so; how you're being a team player in a matrix organisation; how do you make sure you save and transfer knowledge across teams etc.Also, share as much data points as possible, to put things into perspective.
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Elevating your resume with numbers, percentages, or metrics is like adding vibrant colours to a canvas—it transforms your achievements into a captivating masterpiece. Rather than merely saying you "Improved project efficiency," picture this: "Boosted project efficiency by an impressive 25%, orchestrating a seamlessly streamlined workflow." These quantifiable metrics aren't just details; they're the sparkling gems that make your professional journey shine. Each percentage and number isn't just a statistic; it's a testament to the real-world impact you've delivered in your roles, turning your resume into a compelling narrative of success and achievement.
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Leveraging specificity in resumes transforms good candidates into irresistible ones. When quantifying achievements, think beyond the obvious. Instead of just revenue or time, consider impact metrics like customer lifetime value or efficiency ratios. Such metrics not only demonstrate your direct contributions but also your understanding of broader business impacts. For instance, rather than "Managed a team," try "Increased team efficiency by 30%, directly contributing to a 15% reduction in project completion time." Remember, unique metrics tailored to your role and industry can make your resume a compelling narrative of your professional journey.
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Rather than writing your CV/resume listing your duties by demonstrating your achievements shows a recruiter how you actually added value to the role & as such the organisation. Ultimately they want to understand the context of what you have done and how you would work in the new organisation - would you sink or swim
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3 Tailor your resume to the job
One of the most effective ways to describe your work experience is to tailor it to the specific job you are applying for. This means that you should highlight the skills, achievements, and responsibilities that are most relevant and aligned with the job description and the employer's needs. Tailoring your resume to the job helps you show that you are a good fit for the role and that you understand what the employer is looking for. It also helps you avoid including irrelevant or outdated information that might distract or confuse the reader. For example, if you are applying for a marketing manager position, focus on your marketing skills and achievements, and leave out any unrelated or minor tasks.
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- Isabela Fernandes de Freitas Especialista em Recrutamento e Seleção | Mentora de Carreira | Recolocação Profissional | Palestrante | TOP 10 Coaching de Carreira Brasil Favikon | Business Influencer | TOP 20 Influenciador RH Ibest 2024
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O primeiro passo é atentar-se ao descritivo da vaga, compreender o que a oportunidade está pedindo e destacar os pontos em comum que você possui. Utilize palavras-chave de forma estratégica ao longo do resumo e na descrição das principais atividades
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- Jamile Abreu Especialista em Recolocação Profissional | JobHunter | Treinadora de Entrevista | Currículo | LinkedIn | Suporte ao Processo Seletivo.
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Entenda, que tudo que voce precisa saber da vaga está escrito no perfil da vaga. A maneira mais simples de identificar e adaptar o currículo é lista o que voce ja fez e moldar nas suas experiências. Somente assim, o recrutador entenderá que voce tem a experiência que ele precisa.
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An UNUSUAL APPROACH: Some people tailor their resumes for specific job applications. However, you can take this to another level by explicitly proving you're qualified for the role using the Person Specification in the Job Description. Use two headings, "Your Requirements" and "My Suitability". For example,Your Requirement: A qualified accountantMy Suitability: CPA qualifiedYour Requirement: FMCG experienceMy Suitability: Six years working in the FMCG industryYour Requirement: French language skillsMy suitability: A fluent French speakerProve that you're qualified for the role, and minimise the risk that they'll misread or misinterpret your resume. At the same time, ensure that your application stands out from others!
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In job applications with 250+ competitors, tailoring your resume to the job simplifies the recruiter's work and garners their appreciation."Implemented strategic sales initiatives, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue. Conducted targeted market analysis to identify and cater to untapped customer segments. Revamped pricing to enhance competitiveness while preserving product value. Implemented effective promotional campaigns via social media and email, introducing a customer loyalty program that yielded a significant revenue surge within a fiscal year." My emphasis extends beyond quantitative achievements; I am more interested in the methods and approaches you employ to accomplish your goals.
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- Donal O'Donoghue Managing Director at Sanderson | Host of Talent Matters Podcast 🎙️
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With the increased use of AI in selection, it is so important to review the role profile and to ensure that your relevant experience is described or your CV / resume using similar language.
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4 Use keywords and phrases
Another way to tailor your resume to the job is to use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry. Keywords and phrases are the words and terms that employers use to describe the skills, qualifications, and requirements for the job. Using keywords and phrases helps you optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are software tools that scan and filter resumes based on keywords. It also helps you show that you have the relevant knowledge and expertise for the job. For example, if the job description mentions SEO, social media, and content marketing, use those keywords and phrases in your work experience section.
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- Jamile Abreu Especialista em Recolocação Profissional | JobHunter | Treinadora de Entrevista | Currículo | LinkedIn | Suporte ao Processo Seletivo.
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A comida para inteligência artificial se chama "palavra-chave, você profissional da área precisa dominar quais são as palavras da área, e que essas palavras precisa conter dentro do seu currículo.
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- Belinda Paris Resume Writer | Career Coach. I help ambitious executives gain CLARITY in their CAREER and land their DREAM role without MONTHS of applying | Message me 'CLARITY' to find out how I can help YOU!!
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I would recommend enhancing your resume's appeal by aligning it with job descriptions and industry terminology. Keywords are vital, reflecting the specific skills, qualifications, and job requirements employers prioritize. Incorporating these into your resume not only ensures it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) smoothly but also demonstrates your pertinent expertise. For instance, if a role emphasizes SEO, social media, and content marketing skills, strategically include these terms within your experience section. This targeted approach showcases your direct relevance to the position, significantly boosting your chances of catching a recruiter's eye.
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Numerous skilled candidates go unnoticed as their resumes lack the appropriate keywords. Tailor each resume to the job by incorporating specific keywords from the listing. Consider alternative keywords for the positions you seek, including relevant skills and certifications.For instance, when a recruiter is seeking a Data Scientist among 500 resumes, their initial step typically involves searching for the precise terms "Data analysis, Statistical modeling, Predictive modeling, etc." This effectively filters candidates who have directly held that role. Those without this exact term in their resume might miss the opportunity.
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Focus on keywords from the job ad. It's not just buzzwords; it's about mirroring the language of your target role. Think SEO, social media, content marketing—whatever the job asks for. This strategy beats applicant tracking systems and shows you're in tune with the role's demands. Keep it clear and concise, like you're explaining it to a friend. It's about making your experience resonate with what they're looking for, almost like you're already part of the team.
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- Dayse Batista Assessoria em Recolocação | Análise de Currículo | Orientação e Simulada de Entrevistas | Gerenciamento de Carreira | Reestruturação de LinkedIn | RH
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Descreva sua experiência em tópicos que retratem suas principais responsabilidades, se atentando que ao descrever suas funções, várias rotinas estarão sendo evidenciadas; não se atenha ao cargo em si, mas nas responsabilidades!Detalhar "O quê faz", "como faz" e "resultados" é um bom exercício para perceber que há funções co-relatas à diversas vagas e deste modo, a composição do todo (seu currículo) poderá ser aplicado para um número maior de oportunidades.
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5 Format your resume properly
Finally, how you format your resume can also affect how you describe your work experience. You should choose a resume format that suits your work history, career goals, and industry. There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. A chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is best for people who have a consistent and progressive work history. A functional resume focuses on your skills and achievements, rather than your work history. This format is best for people who have gaps, career changes, or limited work experience. A hybrid resume combines both formats, highlighting your skills and achievements, and also providing a brief summary of your work history. This format is best for people who want to showcase both their skills and experience.
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- Caio Sampaio Content Editor | SEO Copywriter | Career Expert, CPRW
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In addition to choosing the correct format, ensuring your resume is highly readable is paramount. Do so by choosing a professional font, like Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12. Highlight each section with a 16-point heading and fill them out using bullet points. Avoid overusing italics and bolding, as they can create an inelegant reading experience for recruiters. When you finish, save your resume as a PDF file, as this format "locks" your document's formatting, avoiding a situation where the recruiters see something different from what you've created due to compatibility issues.
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- Taher H. Fellow member Association for Coaching | Elected Member - Standards and Grading Committee of CV Writers for Association of Professional Rèsumè Writers and Career Coaches | Helping leaders with Presentation Skills.
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Don't underestimate the importance of a resumè which is easy to read and follow. Avoid the flash stuff.Make sure you align your text, at least 11pts in size. Use clear bold headings, use simple bullets, easy to read fonts and black text is always the best.
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Choosing the right resume format is key. If your work history is steady and shows growth, go chronological. Got gaps or changing fields? A functional resume highlights your skills without focusing on the timeline. For those balancing a mix of solid skills and work history, hybrid is your ally. This approach lets you showcase your strengths upfront, followed by your experience. Tailoring your resume to your unique career journey not only positions you as an ideal candidate but also makes your application stand out. Clarity and relevance in presenting your experience will always catch an employer's eye.
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- Isabela Fernandes de Freitas Especialista em Recrutamento e Seleção | Mentora de Carreira | Recolocação Profissional | Palestrante | TOP 10 Coaching de Carreira Brasil Favikon | Business Influencer | TOP 20 Influenciador RH Ibest 2024
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Utilize o modelo padrão, sem colunas e gráficos. Se tiver passado por mais de um cargo na mesma empresa, inclua essa informação no currículo, destacando a evolução profissional. Descreva as principais atividades de cada cargo, mencionando o tempo de cada um.
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Properly formatting your resume is crucial as it enhances readability and leaves a lasting positive impression on recruiters. An orderly and visually pleasing format simplifies the navigation of your qualifications for hiring managers, enabling them to swiftly pinpoint essential information. For instance, using clear headings and black bullet points can streamline the presentation of your work experience and achievements. Using elaborate symbols for bullets, such as stars or diamonds, may lead to parsing issues, potentially scrambling essential information on your resume. Avoid using tables, as they can confuse applicant tracking systems and make your resume harder to read.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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How to effectively describe what you do and showcase your talents...1) Consider your roles, responsibilities, and daily activities. In your resume, provide a snapshot of these as a short narrative of your position(s).2) Then, provide what you specifically did in each role and connect to the results/impacts of your actions and contributions.This style of resume writing grants readers a view of your job standards and how you exceeded the norm, while showcasing the value you bring to an organization.Think...What would anyone do in this job?What did I specifically do?What was the value gained from what I did?Such writing makes for a powerful resume and draws readers in.
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- Jamile Abreu Especialista em Recolocação Profissional | JobHunter | Treinadora de Entrevista | Currículo | LinkedIn | Suporte ao Processo Seletivo.
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Sempre traga clareza e sentido da vaga no seu currículo. Seja bem especifico para empresa que está se candidatando, e que ambos possam se ajudar para conclusão do processo.
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- Bruno Pereira Consultor de Carreira | Estrategista em LinkedIn | Recolocação Profissional | Elaboração do Currículo | Reformulação do LinkedIn | Transição de Carreira | Outplacement | Alcance o seu Emprego em 2024!
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Lembre-se de que o campo de experiências é crucial em seu currículo, necessitando conter informações detalhadas e de destaque. Recomendo descrever suas atividades em tópicos para proporcionar clareza na compreensão do que você realizava, facilitando a visualização pelos recrutadores. Boa sorte em sua busca por emprego!
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How can you stand out from everyone else? Most resumes are bland and generic, focusing simply on duties and responsibilities. If your resume is merely a list of your responsibilities, it will look almost identical to someone else who does the same role. Instead, focus on your outputs, achievements, special projects and roles, feedback from colleagues and clients, recommendations, performance ratings, and workplace and industry awards. Where possible, quantify your achievements using facts and figures. Case studies are a great way of adding colour and context to your experience. Finally, use positive language and action words throughout the document. For example, "Career-to-date" is a more positive title than simply "Experience".
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- Thomas Powner 🧿 Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● NCOPE LinkedIn Trainer/Strategist ● Interview Coach ● Career Keynote Speaker🧿 Empowering People to Reach Career Happiness🧿Been Told I'm a Nice Guy!
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📌 It's vital to separate function from the value on your resume for each career position. ✷ Job Title | Company Name | Tenure✷ A paragraph 3-5 lines thick explaining the scope of your role and responsibilities.✷ Then, bullet points that are reverse CAR (Challenge, Action. Results) Stories. Front-load each with the outcome, followed by the action, and drop off the challenge. Use KPIs when you have them. ● Achieved 200%+ increase in sales after leading brand presence across several platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, and other 3rd party marketplace websites.● Boosted operational output and compliance by rewriting and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOP).
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