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 Drywall Laborer position:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Machine Operator and Assembler
XYZ Company
I worked on Omega fronts machine set-up gauging parts Quality Inspection and various other machines.
Big thanks to this applicant for including the type of machine he used in his previous job.
A job title like “Machine Operator” is vague in that it covers a wide range of skill sets and specialties. This applicant did an excellent job of identifying the specific machine he used and clearly describing what that machine does.
Better yet, he accomplished all of this in just a few words that any hiring manager can easily review with just a glance.
Today’s “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a Warehouse Worker position:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• I have experience in lifting, loading, picking, packing and also hi-lo and
stand on electric jacks
• I’ve supervised 30-50 men at 20-25 dock doors I did this on a nightly
basis for 9 months which included a very hectic holiday season.
If you have any experience as a supervisor, make sure to highlight it on your resume (even if the job you’re applying for isn’t a supervisory one).
Experience as a supervisor is the type of background information that makes a hiring manager take notice. It demonstrates reliability and a strong work ethic more strongly than if you just wrote on your resume that you possess these qualities.
Today’s “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a General Labor position:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Pallet Jack Driver, Machine Operator
XYZ Company
October 2015 to July 2018
At the beginning of each shift I arranged boxes for production line to start.
In reading the list of job duties this applicant included with this item on his Work History, it’s clear the job was for a production line worker.
However, the applicant chose to write this part of the resume in an eye-catching way. He described the job title as a “Pallet Jack Driver, Machine operator” rather than as a “Production Worker.”
The applicant makes it clear at-a-glance that he has experience as a pallet jack driver and a machine operator. This is more specific than if he had simply written “Production Worker,” and so it stands out more to a hiring manager.
Today’s “Resume Greatest Hit” is from an applicant for a Class B CDL Driver position:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Security/Maintenance
XYZ Company
August 1996 to August 1999
Earned promotion to Security Guard for excellent performance on the job.
The key to writing a great resume is to highlight not only what you did at your previous jobs, but also what you accomplished.
This resume is a great example. Rather than just describing the job duties associated with his security/maintenance position, the applicant highlighted how he performed so well that he earned a promotion.
Information about an accomplishment like this is more likely to get you called in for an interview by a hiring manager than merely providing a list of job duties.
Today’s “Resume Greatest Hit” comes from an applicant for a Warehouse Worker position:
[Name]
123@123mail.com | [555-123-1234]
[City], [State] [Zip]
Construction/ General Labor/ Operator/ Warehouse experience
This applicant did two things on his resume that all job seekers should take note of.
First, he included keywords right at the top that are relevant to the job he applied for (“General Labor” and “warehouse experience”).
Second, the applicant included his phone number.
Including a phone number on a resume may seem obvious. But unfortunately not all job seekers provide contact information beyond an email address.
On a good resume, an email address alone just isn’t enough. Typing mistakes can and do happen – often. That means a hiring manager who reaches out to schedule an interview might get a bounced email instead.
It’s important to provide more than one way for hiring managers to contact you. If you don’t, you might miss out on a great work opportunity.