Create A Results-Driven Resume in 4 Easy Steps
The word ‘resume’ may make you involuntarily sigh. It’s true! Resumes can be a snooze-fest sometimes.
Throughout my career, I’ve probably read hundreds - if not thousands - of them. And I’ve found myself yawning more times than I can count. But here’s the deal - a resume is much more than just a list that shows off where you went to school and what jobs you’ve held in the past. A properly written and formatted resume makes all the difference in scoring your dream position. It’s a digital handshake that should make the reader interested in meeting you for an interview. Without a good resume, you can kiss that corner office (or dreamy remote position) goodbye!
So, how can you make sure your resume stands out and secures your spot on a hiring manager's calendar? You lead with tangible results that emphasize your accomplishments and achievements.
Why It’s Important To Show Tangible Results
Tangible results are quantifiable and measurable outcomes that make your history of success and growth shine bright like a diamond. This is what will set you apart from other candidates and will make it clear what your strengths and talents are right from the start.
When creating your resume, it’s super important that you show off your accomplishments by including things like increases, hours worked or spent on a project, and especially dollar amounts to really drive home that you are the real deal and deserve this position. Here’s what you need to do in order to create a resume that wows!
Step 1: Stop Using Your Resume As A Coaster
Chances are you haven’t updated your resume recently. Many don’t update it as often as we need to but unless it’s been 10+ years since you’ve touched it, you probably have some solid bones to work off of. Grab the most recent copy of your resume - if you're like me, you may have some wine stains on an old copy (sorry, not sorry) - and let’s get to work.
My first rule of thumb when creating or updating your resume is to keep it simple. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again - you are not Bill Gates. Keep your resume to one page by highlighting specific and relevant skills only. You do not need to include your first job at a supermarket when you were 16. And above all else, make sure it is easy on the eyes.
Stay away from using photos or colorful graphics on your resume. Instead, add links to your portfolio or website to show off your work (especially if you’re a designer, writer, or something in the arts!) This will keep your resume streamlined and easy to read.
Right at the top of your resume, you’ll want to include your contact information. They most likely do not need your mailing address but mentioning your town and state is appropriate. And always make sure to include a link to your LinkedIn profile (it’s the most-used social platform of hiring managers everywhere!)
Step 2: Highlight Task-Specific Descriptions/Bullets
If your resume reads like a grocery or to-do list, it’s too task-oriented.
This means that there are too many vague statements that do not help the reader understand your qualifications (think: what you did vs. how your actions helped the company). Grab your highlighter and start calling out the blanket statements that do not showcase any action. Some examples can include:
“Researched and collected data from email subscribers.”
“Oversaw day-to-day operations.”
“Created SOPs to improve communication flow.”
“Led or managed a team”
Completed opening and closing tasks of a boutique”
“Managed inventory audits”
“Responsible for all client outreach and events”
Step 3: Infuse Your Resume With Results And Clear Statements
Now that you’ve pinpointed those vague, task-specific descriptions, sprinkle some results throughout each statement. Take a step back from the task and think broader. Here’s how to add results (and more flare) to some of those examples above:
Let’s face it - many of us can’t remember what we had for dinner last night, let alone how many attendees we hosted at an event last year. If you can’t remember specific results, you’re going to need a performance journal. (Don’t have one? Sign up to grab my free performance journal template by clicking here!)
Step 4: Take Another Stab At Your Bio Or Summary
One of the very first places I look at when reviewing a client's resume is their bio or summary. This is an area right at the top of your resume that will quickly teach the reader the most important things about your - accomplishments, traits, and qualifications that you’ve banked throughout your career.
Here’s an example of mine:
Here’s what wrong with mine:
NO CONTACT INFORMATION
BAD SPACING
QUALIFICATIONS ARE A BIO SUMMARY AND NOT SKILLS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IS A SUMMARY OF JOB NOT THE ACTION AND RESULTS OF THE JOB
EDUCATION DATES
(It is really just a shell of a resume my friends, we can do much much better!)
The most pressing question I get all the time with my clients and candidates is how do I create a good Bio and what should be in there?
The trick to a good bio is keeping it short and sweet.
I want you to think of 3 words that describe you as a candidate and put them at the top of your resume under your name. Think of them like your calling card.
For example, mine would be… Executive Recruiter | Talent Development | Business Strategist. From there, stick to 3-5 sentences and include keywords that will make the hiring manager raise their eyebrows.
Here’s a not-so-secret-secret: scan the job posting for keywords that jump out at you based on what qualifications they are looking for and add those to your bio. You’ll need to rework this for each position you apply to which may seem tedious but the greater the effort, the sweeter the reward!
There you have it! We’re putting the result-specific pieces of your resume together piece by piece. That dream position? It’ll be yours in no time.
THE PERFECT RESUME DOES EXIST
You have the chops to land that dreamy position you’ve set your eyes on. The only thing you don’t have? A resume that helps you show it off. Stop guessing what goes where and start focusing on looking toward a bright and dreamy future, with a results-driven resume that helps you achieve it.
