Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
It takes an average of 7 to 10 seconds for an employer to look at a resume. Using an achievement resume format can get the attention your resume deserves. Career accomplishments and selected achievements highlighting your attributes will make an employer take notice.
The success of your resume depends on the relevance that it has to the job that you are apply for. You must format your resume to each and every job to make it easier for the employer to search for information that will match you to the job requirements.
Begin your resume with an opening "Position Statement". Focus on the job and what the companies needs are. Let them know what you can do for them. What is the value that you will bring to the job? Your position statement should be short and focused on the job description.
The next section is your "Qualifications Summary". Using a bullet format you should highlight experience that you have in the field and any relevant skills and attributes that you possess that are directly related to the job. All experience paid or unpaid is relevant to your qualified value.
A "Professional Accomplishments" section will follow the qualifications summary. Using a bullet format you will list selected achievements that resulted in career accomplishments. This section is where you will list statements of your responsibilities, accomplishments of skills and awards.
Finish up with your "Work History" then "Education" following the same bullet format to complete your resume. Omit using dates in both sections focusing on relevant employments, career accomplishments, degrees, certifications and trainings.
A resume is a brief account of your career, professional accomplishments and qualifications used to inform employers that you are interested in employment. The use of dates should be omitted until requested on a job application at which time work history and education dates will be required.
