Step Four: Accomplishments & Special Skills
There is nothing on your resume more important than your Accomplishments. Why? Think of it this way: you�re a hiring manager with one position to fill and 10 qualified candidates. Each candidate has the same basic educational and professional background. So, who gets the job?
The Candidate that Wins has Accomplished Something
The candidate who gets the job is the one who contributed the most at past positions. Accomplishments are all that separate you from other equally qualified candidates, with one caveat. They must be quantified.
Here are some examples of Professional Accomplishments:
- Increasing the company�s bottom line
- Streamlining procedures
- Promotions
- Special projects successfully completed
- Decreasing costs
- Company- or industry-sponsored awards
- Certifications and licensure
In contrast, the following would not be appropriate:
- Daily responsibilities that are included in your job description
- Regular attendance at work
- Getting along with co-workers
- Working full-time while going to college at night
- Volunteer or community service, unless it has a direct bearing on your job search
An Accomplishment goes beyond your usual job description. But for it to have the most effect, it must be quantified.
What is a Quantified Accomplishment?
A quantified Accomplishment should include dollar figures, percentages, and time periods.
For example: An accountant has streamlined procedures, realizing a $2,500 monthly savings for his company. A dollar figure quantifies the accomplishment, while noting "streamlined procedures" explains how he did it. If he achieved those savings within three months of hire, it might be written this way:
Achieved a $2,500 monthly savings for XYZ Company within three months of hire by streamlining procedures.
Imagine the hiring manager�s reaction to the above, as opposed to this entry: �Streamlined procedures for XYZ Company.� Doesn�t say much, does it?
Special Skills
Special Skills should be presented up front so that a hiring manager knows what you can do. In some instances, a special section (i.e. Computer Skills, Languages, Office Procedures, etc.) should be created to showcase these Special Skills.
Special Skills include:
- Computer proficiencies
- Office procedures such as answering multi-lined phone systems, taking dictation (include speed), transcription, typing (include speed), 10-key, etc.
- Linguistic capabilities (fluency in a foreign language, ability to translate, etc.)
- Any skill that�s industry-specific
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Reused with permission from ResumeEdge.