Creating a Powerful, Skills Based Resume - One Liners that Work
So what is the difference between one that works and one that doesn't?
The difference is whether just write down a list of skills you hope the reader will accept you have or whether you use one-liners to prove that you have the skill.
You may have a line in your resume which reads:
- organized, hard worker, excellent communication skills, computer proficient
This proves nothing, except that you've read the ad and are regurgitating the information onto paper!
If my resume says I have great computer skills, why should anyone believe me? Especially since under "Education and Training" you will find nothing related to learning computers!
They will believe me if I can tell stories to prove that I have the skill I am claiming.
So here is how to go about it.
First look carefully at the job description - or find out as much as you can about the job. What exactly are they looking for?
Let's assume you are looking at a job advertisement which just says "excellent computer skills." This is pretty vague and you don't know what software they need you to know, but it's a pretty safe bet that Microsoft Office is required.
Next, think of stories, true stories from your life - they can be as long as you like at this point - stories that describe your proficiency on computers. What have you done with computers? What projects? What software did you take courses in, teach yourself, and what did you use this information for after you'd learnt it?
I am self taught, so this makes it harder to prove I know what I claim to know. However, I have used computer for almost 20 years and this gives me a wealth of stories from which to draw.
Here is my story:
One of the first things I did once I learnt to use a Word Processor (it was Word Perfect 5.1, for those of you who were around in the "olden" days) was I undertook to create a newsletter for a social group of which I was a member. So, my one liner could look something like this:
- Created & produced a monthly 12 page newsletter, using various advanced formatting functions
I am also a handwriting analyst and as such I provide written or verbal consultation reports to clients. When I was at home with my children this was a VERY part time occupation, but the computer skills I used are still valid.
- Created & formatted 4 page structured reports for clients, responsible for grammar, spelling, layout and content.
Are you getting the idea?
Everything I am saying is the absolute truth, but I am phrasing it in business-like terms, and instead of just saying I know how to use Word, I have given them 2 concrete examples of what I have done with the program.
This is the basis of the skills based resume.
If you look back to my story about doing handwriting analysis - I mentioned to you I did either written or verbal reports. There is probably going to be a section in my skills based resume, no matter what job I am applying for, entitled "Communication Skills." After all, what job wouldn't be made easier if it's incumbent had good communication skills? So can you guess what is going to appear in this section of my resume?
- Discussed sometimes sensitive report results with clients, using brevity, clarity and tact.
Now, I'm assuming most of you are not handwriting analysts! But you all have something going for you. You all do many things. Take a little thing that you felt you did or do well, and try creating a one-liner from it.
If you are feeling modest, and thinking it makes you seem too grand - don't worry, this is normal. Try thinking of the action or skill as belonging to someone else, say your best friend. If you possibly can, think of someone else who actually does this same thing. Then describe it in a one liner describing it for their resume, with no inhibitions or thinking of it as being about yourself. Then objectively look at what you wrote, and ask yourself if this could in all honesty describe you also. The answer is probably "yes."
Writing a skills based resume does not include any deception. It involves describing your skills in business-like terms, which unless you got the skills in business, is probably a way you have not previously looked at them.
Give it a try.
This, of course, is just the start. You have to understand how to put together the entire resume, but for now - get working on those powerful one liners which can land you the job for which you are qualified.
Related Tags: resume, employment, skills, career, job, back to work, workplace reentry, skills identification
Fiona MacKay Young is a Certified Handwriting Analyst with over 15 years experience, who works with individuals, couples, employers & job seekers on a wide variety of people related issues. She also is the author of several books to assist beginners make instant use of Handwriting Analysis as they learn it. She also offers phone consultations, reports, teleclasses, is a keynote speaker and gives lively and fun interactive presentations. Check http://www.potentiality.bizfor relationship, individual, personal development and fun, http://www.handwritinganalysisbooks.com is where her books, and http://www.thehirewritesite.comfor business,
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Cv Writing Tips - How is a Good Cv Used?
How is a Good CV Used?The good news is that your CV may be used in various ways for different purpo - How to Make a Targeted Cv
In the past, no one retyped their CV every time they applied for a job. Now, with the introduction - The Best Cv Format?
Which is best CV Format or Layout? In short, the format preferred by the vast majority of employers - Why Choose a Professional Cv Writer? - Cv Writing Tips
Why choose a Professional CV writer?The importance of the CV is now well known. What you now should - Cv Writing Tips With Templates
How to Make a Good CV (and get it read).If you have ever been involved in writing a CV properly you - How to Get Corporate Flight Jobs
The commercial airlines are not the only employers you can look to when you want to find out what c - Working in Executive Jet Jobs
When you have a position in one of the executive jet jobs available with commercial airlines and co - Jobs in Gurgaon/ Ncr are Available Without Any Hassles
One of the cities in NCR, Delhi is the fastest mounting economic and industrial hub in India. Aside - Why You Need to Build a Pipeline of People
In this new world of Free Agents, successful organisations need a strong and small core group of - Why Large Recruitment Firms are so Desperate to Sell Giant Advertisements to Their Clients
Do large newspaper ads work and are they value for money? In the days before My Career, Seek and Mo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- 10 Things to Include in Your Personal Statement - Undergraduate, Graduate & Beyond
Whether you are applying to enter undergraduate school, graduate school, or applying for a job, you - An Introduction To Free Sample Resumes
Increasing competition in the job market has provided a job seeker the status of a commodity that ne - Want A Killer Cover Letter? Follow These 5 Steps
When applying for a job opening with a new company many companies will require that you enclose a co - Writing an Excellent Cover Letter: A Sure Way of Getting the Job You Want
Aside from your resume, writing a cover letter is a must as you apply for a job. When you express yo - Wrap Up That Job With A Great Cover Letter
What gives us our first impression of a person? Usually, it is the manner in which they come across. - Three Guides to Improve Your Resume
Sometimes your resume can hurt more than help you. In today's job-search market, you are often comp - Grabbing that Job: Writing a Cover Letter for Your Resume
Looking for a job is easier nowadays, what with the advent of the World Wide Web, fast searching for - Add Value To Your Resume with Accomplishments and Achievements
As a Career Advisor for private college, I've seen thousands of resumes. Typically it is the same fo - Jobs Portal
Applying for a new job, or a new career, can be a major task if you are not prepared with knowledge - The Dangers in Adopting Cover Letter Examples
Cover letter examples are all over the internet. There are even books especially designed and publis