As the number of applicants per corporate job opening rises, it’s important that your resume is effective at articulating your accomplishments and what you can bring to the table. This means creating an accomplishment-based resume instead of a responsibility-based resume and creating a document that is completely unique to you. When you’re trying to craft the perfect job description on your resume, it’s essential that you highlight what you’ve achieved instead of simply stating that you hold a certain skill.

Your resume is your chance to highlight what you bring to the table and why a potential employer should hire you, but if the job descriptions you include don’t do you justice, your resume simply won’t be effective at meeting your needs. This makes writing a resume sound intimidating; however, I’m showing you exactly how to craft the perfect job description on your resume! 

Gather the Basics

When you’re going to craft the perfect job description on your resume, you have to start with the basics. The easiest way to do this is to start with the job description that you were given at work. Ideally, you’ll have the job description you were given by HR, (you should always keep this kind of information for future use) but if not, find a similar job description online that closely resembles your own.

Build Upon What You Have

Take the basic job description and add in other duties that you’ve taken on that go above and beyond what you’re required to do, or if your role has just evolved over time.

If you are technically ad administrative assistant, but you handle company social media accounts and oversee client engagement, that is something you’ll absolutely want to note in your job description. Any time you’re taking on responsibilities above and beyond what you were hired to do, it’s important to articulate them. Show that you’re not just resting on your laurels and that you’re willing to take the initiative to get things done.

Make a List of Your Accomplishments

Anyone can claim that they are a great employee, but very few people can actually show it. Don’t sell yourself short on your resume, and show potential employers all of your accomplishments and achievements. Provide evidence to your claims so that they can see exactly what you can bring to the table and how you will be beneficial if hired.

Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Have you increased sales?

• Have you been recognized for your success?

• Have you implemented process improvements or cost-cutting techniques?

Whatever you have done to improve your company and/or department, you want to show it on your resume. 

The more numbers and specific metrics you can include, the better! Don’t be afraid to calculate numbers from your own data. As long as you can prove your calculations, you can use them on your resume.

Use the Job Description that You’re Applying for

When you’re trying to craft the perfect job description on your resume, use the job you’re applying to so you can integrate keywords and phrases to customize your resume to meet the exact position you’re interested in. When you’re trying to customize your resume to meet a job you’re applying to, the key is to highlight all of the skills and qualifications that the desired job description holds, and downplay unnecessary information.

For example, if you held the title of client relationship manager and did everything from sales to client onboarding, to office management and administrative tasks, but you’re applying for an administrative assistant, you’ll want to highlight the office management and client facing communication, and you’ll most likely want to downplay the sales aspects of your previous role.

This does not mean that you should ever “dumb down” your resume. It’s always great to highlight that you’re smart, strong, and capable, however, when you’re trying to customize your resume to apply for a specific job, you need to highlight the requirements of the given job description and show your potential employer why you will be a great fit. 

Writing a great resume isn’t just about how aesthetically pleasing it is. If you have a beautiful resume that doesn’t articulate your strengths, you won’t get the traction that you’re looking for. Craft the perfect job description on your resume that highlights what you’ve accomplished and why you’re a valuable asset.

A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.

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