How to Create a Winning Resumé

If you’re ready to change careers or this is your first big-girl job, you’ll need a resume that stands out. Today, we’re going to go through the absolute MUSTS when it comes to design a winning resume.

I know what you’re thinking…writing about myself sucks! I will be the first to say it, job hunting isn’t fun and writing a kick-ass resume isn’t the easiest thing to do. However, if you don’t know what to say or what skills to highlight, there’s a good chance you’ll be looked over by the hiring manager or recruiter.

Here are the steps to writing your resume!

To begin, your executive summary is a big deal. This should be short and memorable.

Experience Summary or Golden paragraph

Four to five bullet points or sentences that highlight your relevant experience based on the Job description you are applying for.
Include quantifiable data.
Avoid using broad statements that could apply to anyone.

Do not list or highlight any soft skills, hard worker, organized etc.

From that point on recruiters and employers want to know about you’ve achieved not what you’re responsibilities were.

I can tell you from experience that 99% of applicants tend to have had the same responsibilities leading up to their application. Nobody cares what you were tasked with. We care about how well you performed

So today, I want to delve deeper into the topic of accomplishments, as it plays a pivotal role in crafting a compelling resume.

If you’re struggling to identify and share your accomplishments, fret not!

I’ve prepared a set of questions to guide you in uncovering additional achievements that will elevate your resume.

Let's start with Work accomplishments:

What sets you apart in how you perform your job?
What aspects of your work receive praise from your current boss?

Have you consistently met or exceeded quotas and goals in your current position?
Were you specifically hired to tackle a particular challenge for the company?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Have you implemented any cost-saving measures for the company?
Have you introduced new processes or procedures that improved efficiency?

Now, let's move on to Educational accomplishments:

What workshops, conferences, seminars, or courses have you attended?
Have you achieved any new certifications or acquired new skills that enhance your expertise?
Have you attended any conferences?
Do you have any new skills? (These might be things like computer software, social media, blogging, AI etc.)

Next, let's explore "Soft Skill" accomplishments:

How have you demonstrated exceptional planning, conflict management, time management, and digital proficiency skills?
Have you excelled in coordinating and leading teams?
Have you showcased your leadership skills in any capacity?
Do you have notable achievements related to language specialization or proficiency in foreign languages?

Recognition accomplishments also hold value:

Have you received any honors, awards, or certifications this year?
Which of your contributions received the most recognition?
Have you received commendations from customers or your boss in the form of notes, emails, or kudos?

Additionally, Communication accomplishments matter:

Have you delivered public speeches or presentations? If so, who was your audience, what was the topic, and how many people attended?
Have you authored any articles, whitepapers, or other written documents?

Lastly, Leadership accomplishments deserve attention:

Have you assumed leadership roles within your job or volunteer work?
Have you led any significant projects that demonstrate your ability to take charge and deliver results?

Remember, your resume is not just a laundry list of tasks you’ve performed; it’s a showcase of what you have achieved. Each accomplishment statement conveys to employers how you made a tangible impact on previous companies. By emphasizing your past performance, you provide a strong indicator of what you can bring to the table in the future.

For my upcoming blog, I’ll discuss the art of quantifying accomplishments, adding an extra layer of impact to your resume.

I’ll also be sharing a unique tip used by only 1% of applicants so stay tuned!

Want me to work with you on your resume? Book a free consultation call today.

All the best,
Gabby