Accomplishments Resume
I have been searching for almost 2 months and I am not getting any calls back so I have decided to revamp my resume so that I can generate more interst.
My question is this: how do I redo my resume so that my accomplishments are listed (i.e. reduced credit cards chargebacks by 75% by following up and submitting info in a timely manner, etc.). Do I list it after my duties (admin support, correspondence, etc.).
My work experience is all Admin Support so the duties are pretty boilerplate, but I have always taken initiative and improved the company' s effectiveness or profitability and I want potential employers to know this.
With all the people in the market for jobs, I want t make my resume stand out.
I know how you feel -- I am going on one month of unemployment, am registered with 10 recruiters, and have been looking on my own. I' ve been turned down for four different opportunities, and there' s nothing happening out there unless one wants to consider temping for $10-$12/hour as a receptionist. I have over 26 years of experience in the Admin arena, but since the fall of 2005, I have been laid off 5 times in a row due to either industry slowdowns or reorgs. I am completely unsure of how to revamp my resume as well. My only advice to you is to keep searching, and try setting your resume up in different formats via your "my monster" account, so you can try different resumes for different jobs. What have you got to lose? Also consider searching for career counseling via your local community college or university to get in person feedback on your resume from professional career counselors.
I agree with creativePM about using a Summary of Qualifications section on your resume. Matter of fact, that' s what leads off my resume. I would also recommend getting rid of the Objective Section, if you are using one. It is a complete waste of time, and most hiring managers hate them.
I just put the position I am looking for in the first paragraph of my cover letter. I also list about a half dozen of my general skills/strengths in my cover letter, often adding the one or two extra skills I have that pertains to that particular position.
As for the question about listing your accomplishments, put them under the job listing, along with some of your most important job duties.
And, lastly, don' t panic. Two months out of work is nothing in today' s market. Just keep plugging ahead, and you are bound to get activity, and hopefully, that job you can live with!!! Good luck!!!
I' m sorry you' ve been searching for two months without any calls. You' re rightthat fine-tuning your resume can make a world of difference. (Don' t forget thecover letter, too!)
Yes, the way you suggested to format your duties and accomplishments is a perfectstrategy. First, under each employer, develop a briefparagraph that highlights your responsibilities. Then, using bullets, write alist of your strongest accomplishments.
Also, be sure to put your accomplishments in context so that employers understandthe significance of your work. For example, you "reduced credit cardschargebacks by 75% by following up and submitting info in a timelymanner." Was there a problem with chargebacks? What dollar savingsresulted from your timely processing? And how long did it take you to reducechargebacks by 75%?