Over the last twenty years I have seen many resumes.Some are outstanding and to the point while others read like a long novel with a bad ending. The resume of today is different from the resumes from just a few years ago because of these factors:
1.High Unemployment. When an employer does have an open job, they are looking for at least an 80% skills match. Your resume must be a match.
2.Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Computers scan your resume to determine your skill sets.
3.With employers receiving so many resumes, your resume must stand out.
Your resume must scream “what have you done for me lately” to the employer. To do this, make sure a few of these powerful verbs are part of your career story. A verb showcases your accomplishments!
1.Accomplished- If you are applying to a loss time workers compensation claims position, what are your accomplishments? Example: Accomplished the highest claim closing percentage in all offices of 98.2%.
2.Increased- If you are applying to an underwriting position that requires outside marketing to brokers and agents, your resume should scream this fact. Example: Increased overall territory penetration for brokers and agents by 38% resulting in a 28% increase in premium as an production underwriter for ABC Insurance Company.
3.Won- Employers like this word, especially in sales. Example: Won seven out of eight sales awards by averaging 22% over sales quota.
4.Reduced- Companies are looking for any way to save money so if the job you did at your last company saved any money, time or waste, broadcast it! If you are a customer service person, what is it that you reduced? Example: Reduced customer call times by 12% and increased call efficiency by 18% to lead my team. (Notice both power verbs?)
5.Exceeded- This is one of my favorites. It can apply to any job and really make you stand out. Look at the job you are applying to and try to decipher what you would have to do to exceed expectations if you got the job. If you exceeded expectations in your current or past job, you are going to be a great candidate. Example: Exceeded claims caseload closing rate by 25% leading to an overall savings to the company of $220,000.
The days of using words like team player, excellent, driven and energetic are over! These are statements that you better already possess if the job calls for this Power verbs allow you talk about what you bring to the table with real examples. It really is a great way to showcase your talents!
If you have any questions, email me at roger@orlandojobs.com Thanks!
http://www2.orlandojobs.com/orlando/candidates/newsletter
