The first step in writing a great resume? Think positive! That’s why I’m going to show real examples from some of the most effective resumes we’ve gotten at Spec On The Job.
This “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a Bilingual HR Generalist:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Saved the organization $10,000 in 2017 by conducting hiring events in-house as opposed to using conference centers.
Information like this is exactly what hiring managers want to see!
This applicant opens the resume with a list of specific accomplishments like this one. This is a great way to show a hiring manager not just that you did a certain job, but that you also added tangible value to the organization.
Including on your resume what you accomplished at your last job makes you stand out more than simply describing yourself.
This “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a Class A CDL HAZMAT Driver position:
Q: How many years of commercial driving experience do you have?
A: 19
Q: Do you have the following license or certification: HAZMAT?
A: Yes
Q: Do you have the following license or certification: Class A CDL?
A: Yes
This CDL-A HAZMAT driver position requires special skills. For a position like this one, finding applicants with the needed experience and qualifications can be tough. So we want to thank this driver for sending in a resume!
If a job requires a high level of experience and special licensing, don’t send in your resume unless you meet the requirements the hiring manager is looking for.
A strong work ethic, persistence, and enthusiasm are excellent qualifications for any job seeker and can be invaluable in landing a position. But if you’re lacking a certain license or trade skill that’s crucial to doing the job as it’s described, then apply elsewhere.
Filling out applications (even online) is time-consuming. Save as much of your valuable time as you can by narrowing down the types of jobs you’re targeting.
This “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a Class B CDL Driver position:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Driver/Warehouse
XYZ Company – Any Town, USA
August 2017 to December 2017
Operate boom truck
Warehouse duties
Forklift
Loading bundles of shingles on roof
This applicant kept the list of job duties at his last workplace short, concise, formatted so they’re easy to read quickly, and relevant to the job he was applying for.
For many positions, it’s best to describe your previous job duties and your overall skill set using a concise, bulleted list rather than writing full sentences.
Writing the info in paragraph form instead of list form can make it hard for a hiring manager to review it quickly. And remember: hiring mangers usually have stacks of resumes to review for each job, not just yours.