How to Effectively Word Your Resume?

Written by: Alok Sahu
1/13/2010 12:42 PM 

Resumes have a particular language their own, entire one designed to stress RESULTS as succinctly as possible. Deployed effectively, it can attract recruiter/hiring manager attention in SECONDS, and maintain it throughout your work history. Here are some basics:

1) AVOID THE FIRST PERSON TENSE
While it may be tempting to describe your skills and accomplishments this way (ex. “I was responsible for delivering multiple accounts during my tenure…”) it is considered unprofessional in today’s marketplace. Instead, opt for THIRD-PERSON TENSE (ex. “Delivered multiple accounts during tenure”) which maintains a businesslike tone without the forced intimacy.

2) START EVERY SENTENCE WITH A VERB
This goes a long ways towards presenting an action-oriented document. Selection is critical; while words like “Strengthened” and “Liaised” strike the right balance between professional and unique, words like “Innovated” and “Rocketed” do not. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t picture yourself using the verb in standard conversation, don’t use it on your resume.

3) AVOID BUZZWORDS
One of the biggest pet peeves of hiring agents is having to slog through a resume packed with buzzwords. Frequent offenders include terms such as “Change Agent”, “Goal-Oriented” and “Visionary”, as well as now-meaningless clichés such as “Computer Savvy” and “Multi-Tasker”. Go through your resume and delete such terms. If you’re having trouble, seek out a second opinion from an industry professional.

4) BREAK APART RUN-ON SENTENCES
A key component of an accessible resume are short sentences focusing on 1-2 key ideas. Instead of describing all aspects of a position or project break apart separate ideas (ex. “Noted for rapidly addressing customer complaints. Delivered hands-on customer service staff training. Identified and successfully introduced workflow improvements.”). This makes your abilities pop out, and safeguards against confusion.

Mr. Angst is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).