casual work resume

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Part-Time Job Resume Sample

Score the part-time job of your dreams and spark ideas for your own resume with this fully customizable Part-Time Job resume sample. Download this free resume example or personalize it using our trusted resume builder.

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Part-Time Job Resume Sample (Full Text Version)

Charlie brews, resume objective.

Proactive and goal-driven high school student seeking a part-time position in sales. Demonstrates outstanding communication and leadership abilities, with a proven track record of problem-solving. Charlie excels in team environments and is committed to surpassing set targets and objectives.

Work experience

• Initiated and established a new Business Society at school, overseeing key society functions.
• Coordinated a team of over 20 students and played a pivotal role in organizing and planning various events.
• Managed and implemented society budgets, as well as created original promotional content for multiple social media platforms.
• Represented the society at school meetings and executed essential administrative duties.
• Successfully grew membership from 0 to 150 within a year.
• Achieved a GPA of 4.0, ranking in the top 1% of the program
• Participated in extracurricular activities including Business Club, Golf Club, and Student Council.

Volunteering

Certificates, part-time position.

Part-time positions are a unique opportunity for individuals to work flexible hours and gain valuable experience while still having the time and freedom to pursue other interests. These jobs offer a chance to explore different industries and career paths, and to develop skills that can be applied in any workplace. With the right mindset and work ethic, a part-time job can be a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career, as well as a fun and rewarding experience in its own right.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Natural Sciences Student Student Internship Social Sciences Student High School Student Humanities Student University Student Professions And Applied Sciences Student Formal Sciences Student

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How to Add a Part-Time Job on a Resume

How to Decide What Jobs to List on Your Resume

How to list part-time work on your resume, how to describe part-time or temporary jobs on your resume, sample resume including part-time jobs, when to leave jobs off your resume, frequently asked questions (faqs).

When and how should you list part-time or temporary work on your resume? There's no single answer to that question since it depends on the work itself and the role you want now. 

When you’re adding part-time positions or gigs to your resume, it can make sense to include them if you want to provide the employer with a comprehensive work history or if they are related to the job for which you are applying.

Review advice on how to decide what to include on your resume, when to leave jobs out, options for adding part-time work, and examples.

Key Takeaways

• When deciding to add part-time work to your resume, consider whether the job is related to the role for which you’re applying, your work experience, and if the position relates to your career goals.
• Part-time jobs can be included in the employment history section of a resume or listed as a separate category.
• If the job is relevant, include the details as you would with a full-time position. Otherwise, list the employer, job title, and dates of employment.

Here are a few things to consider before adding part-time or temporary work to your resume: 

Are you applying for a part-time role?  If so, it makes sense to include prior part-time and temporary roles—they count as relevant experience. 

Is it the only job you've ever had?  Particularly if you are fresh out of school or applying for entry-level jobs, part-time jobs may be your primary form of experience. And even if a part-time job as a cashier isn't super-relevant to your desired career in marketing, there are likely valuable on-the-job skills you developed that you can highlight in the job description on your resume. 

Does it relate to your career goals and help show continuity?  If the part-time work is related to your career goals, include it on your resume and describe the position fully. Even though it might not be as significant as your previous full-time employment, it still shows continuity within your career. It can sometimes be difficult to know how to handle part-time or temp roles that you took during a period of unemployment, but if they're relevant to your industry and overall career, it makes sense to include them. 

Was the job purely for spending money?  If so, while you may want to still include it on your resume, there's no need to list it prominently. For instance, if you worked  several shifts  as a bartender for extra money while working full-time as an editorial assistant, you can leave off the bartending work from your resume. An exception might be if you are applying for a role as a food and drink editor—in that case, your bartending experience might be something worth including and mentioning during interviews.

How long were you in the role?  If you were in a part-time role for a long time—years or decades—then it's certainly worth including. Being in a role for a long period can point to your loyalty and dependability, which are characteristics that are often prized in candidates.

If a part-time or temp role eliminates a significant full-time employment gap in your resume, it may make sense to include it. 

If you want to include temporary, part-time, consulting, volunteer, or other non-full-time experience on your resume, there are several ways you can include the roles on your resume.

Option 1: Use 2 Categories

One option is to separate your work experience into two categories—one specific to the jobs you’re applying for, and the other for non-related employment (see sample resume below):

• Category 1: Related Experience
• Category 2: Other Employment, Other Experience, or Additional Experience

List the related experience category toward the top of your resume and place other employment further down on the document. You can also name your "Related Experience" header after the field you're in. For instance, you could call it "Sales Experience," "Programming Experience," or "Editorial Experience." 

Option 2: Use a Resume Profile

A  resume profile  is a brief summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences, and goals as they relate to a specific job opening.

It’s typically a list at the top of your resume, below your  contact information . It’s a good way to present your most relevant skills to the employer.

If you are including part-time roles on your resume, you can choose how much to write about them. Base this decision on a position's relevancy to your work history or the job at hand. If it's related to your career goals or industry, describe it just as you would a full-time role. If it's not related, simply list your title, the company name, and the dates you worked. 

For example, if you're applying for a mid-career position as a marketer, there’s no need to share a lot of details about a sales associate job at a retailer. However, if it's your first full-time role as a marketer, part-time experience may be an important part of your resume. In the description of the job, highlight any skills that relate to marketing, such as arranging signage and promotions, signing up customers for store credit cards, etc. 

As with any job listed on your resume, keep the description focused on accomplishments and skills.

Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or see below for a text version.

The Balance

Sample Resume Including Part-Time Jobs (Text Version)

Ellen Editor 1234 James Street • Seattle, WA 98122 • 555-555-5555 • eeditor@email.com

Summary of Qualifications

Creative and deadline-savvy food writer and editorial assistant leveraging superb digital publication talents to excel as a Food and Drink Editor.

• Writing & Editing : Proven ability to author and edit flawless, ready-to-publish content within challenging deadlines. Well-versed in Chicago and MLA style guides.
• Food and Drink : Solid “real life” food and drink industry experience developed as a Class 12 Mixologist, restaurant reviewer, and food blogger.
• Technical Proficiencies : Excellent command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign), WordPress, HTML, and CSS.
• Key Strengths : Self-directed and energetic, working equally well in on-site and telecommunications work environments.

Editorial Experience

SEATTLE LIFE MAGAZINE ONLINE, Seattle, WA Editorial Assistant , 2020-Present Hone expertise in digital publishing as editorial assistant tasked with curating homepage for audience of 100,000 daily visitors. Locate and select photo and video content; author stories and headlines. Track web metrics.

• Demonstrated excellent command of basic video editing, social media, HTML, and CSS technologies.

Additional Experience

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BITES, Seattle, WA Food Writer (part-time), 2019-Present Contribute regularly to popular website and blog dedicated to exploring local Pacific Northwest cuisine. Develop, test, photograph, and publish recipes; author restaurant reviews.

• Instrumental in positioning website to achieve food blog awards in 2016 and 2017.

DECEPTIONS BAR AND GRILL, Seattle, WA

Bartender (part-time), 2020-Present Serve beer, wine, and mixed drinks to patrons of upscale restaurant in Seattle’s historic district. Develop original menu items and themed drinks for restaurant events; order supplies, restock bar, and ensure compliance with all governing regulations and food service standards.

• Created popular new drinks including “The Redlight,” “The Underground,” and “The Skid Row.”

Education and Credentials Bachelor of Arts in English, 2019 WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, Bellingham, WA

Washington State Class 12 Mixologist (current MAST license)

Another option is to leave irrelevant part-time or temporary employment off your resume.

There is no obligation to include all your  work experience  on it. Think of your resume as being more like a "greatest hits" album than a "complete retrospective." 

Does every job someone has had have to be included on a resume?

A resume is a summary of your work experience and doesn’t need to include every job you’ve held. The general rule is to list the previous 10 years of employment history, but that’s not required. However, when completing a job application, all the information an employer requests should be listed.

Do part-time jobs count as work experience?

Every job an applicant has held is considered work experience. In addition to part-time jobs, gigs, internships, volunteering, and other experiential and learning activities can be added to a resume.

CareerOneStop. " Applicant Tracking Systems ."

CareerOneStop. “ Resumes .”

Casual Job Resume Sample

A casual job is one that does not have a firm commitment in advance from an employer regarding work hours. In general, casual employees don’t get paid leaves or any other benefits.

There are many casual jobs available such as warehouse worker, cleaner, or general laborer.

In this article, we will focus on resume building for a casual job specifically for a general laborer.

It may be coined as a casual job, but working as a general laborer is not in the least bit casual. In fact, it requires great grit and expertise to perform it.

So, when you write a resume for a casual job such as a laborer, make sure that you highlight your physical agility, and the ability to work on all major work processes within construction or other arenas.

It is important to focus on your relevant experience (if any) and transferable skills when you write a resume for a casual job.

• Casual Job Cover Letter Sample

The following is a casual job resume sample that you can look through to see what you can place in different sections:

Sample Resume for a Casual Job

Kirk Ferris 1937 Yeti Road, Monroe, LA 89177 (00) 645-0975 [Email]

SUMMARY Physically strong and dexterous individual, with over 9 years of experience working as a general laborer on construction sites. Highly knowledgeable about cleaning and setting worksites by removing hazardous or obsolete materials. Demonstrated ability to assist skilled individuals including carpenters and welders, in order to ensure timely project completion.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Loading and Unloading
• Tradespeople Assistance
• Scaffolding Erection
• Power Tools Use
• Warning Signs Placement
• Safety Precautions
• Preventative Maintenance
• Waste Disposal

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Singlehanded unloaded materials from a delivery truck weighing over 1000 lbs. • Implemented a preventative maintenance system to increase tools and machinery life. • Trained 80+ apprentices in handling the construction work process as part of their induction program.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

General Laborer United Contractors, Monroe, LA May 2019 – Present • Clear work areas to make them ready for construction work • Check building or construction plans to determine work processes, such as digging • Load and unload materials and equipment from delivery trucks • Build scaffolding and move it to appropriate locations • Compact earth, and backfill holes as instructed • Assist tradespeople such as welders and painters in performing their work • Operate and maintain equipment such as cranes and forklifts • Perform preventative and regular maintenance on tools and equipment • Ensure that all tools are gathered at the end of each shift, and properly stored • Lay downpipes and mix concrete as instructed • Create logs at the end of each shift

Laborer Big Creek Construction, Monroe, LA Jun 2017 – May 2019 • Picked up unwanted materials from construction sites • Gathered material that could be recycled or reused • Assisted in digging holes and trenches, and building structures • Put up warning signs in order to divert traffic

EDUCATION High School Diploma St. Christopher’s High School, Monroe, LA

• Manual Laborer Job Description for Resume
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• 6 General Laborer Interview Questions and Answers

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20 Best Resume Objective Examples for Part-time Job

This post presents resume objective examples for part-time job positions to help you learn how to make an effective one for your resume/CV to boost its chances of being read.

When writing a resume or CV for a part-time position, it is important to start it with a compelling objective statement; this helps to get the recruiter’s interest in your resume to read what you have to offer if hired for the part-time job.

To make a great resume that gets you an interview with an employer/recruiter, it is important to learn about various resume statistics before writing your resume. According to novoresume, these resume statistics will give you helpful insight into the prevailing HR trends, guide you in making the right decision about your job hunting, and in creating an effective resume.

How to Make a Great Part-time Job Resume Objective Statement

The sure way to writing a great resume objective for a part-time job is to know what the recruiter/employer wants for the job.

You need to study the description of the part-time job and the requirements that the recruiter/employer wants candidates to meet to be hired.

When you understand the requirements, such as the skills, qualities, experience, education, etc. that the recruiter/employer wants candidates to meet to be hired for the part-time position, then you will be able to make a compelling objective statement for your resume.

Also, by having the knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the part-time job that the successful candidate will be expected to carry out, you will be able to make a resume objective the recruiter/employer cannot resist.

You can learn about the part-time job that you are applying for from the job requirements and description published by the recruiter/employer.

To be successful in getting the attention of the recruiter/employer, your resume objective for the part-time job that you are seeking should highlight some of the major qualities, skills, experience, etc. that you have and that were stated in the part-time job requirements published by the recruiter/employer.

It should also show that you understand what the duties and responsibilities of the part-time job are and have the ability and experience to carry them out effectively.

Now, here are some good examples of part-time job resume objective statements that you can learn with or adopt in making your resume or CV:

20 Best Resume Objective Examples for Part-time Jobs

• Hopeful to gain employment with Aimbridge Hospitality as a Part-time Front Desk Agent to approach all encounters with guests and associates in a friendly service-oriented manner. Coming with three years working experience in a hotel and the ability to multi-task and be detail-oriented, and be able to problem-solve in order to effectively deal with all customers.
• Talented and well-organized individual seeks employment with Work From Home Jobs as a Part-time Data Entry Clerk, to apply three years of data entry experience in effectively completing written surveys provided for each panel including oral guidelines. Also bringing the desire to take part wholly in one or more given topics, possession of cell phone with a working camera, and ability to develop access to a reliable web connection.
• Team-oriented individual willing to work at TRANSFER Inc. as a Part-time Financial Analyst with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and 5 years of experience in financial analysis. Looking to utilize the ability to prepare financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends. Also bringing five tears of experience with financial reports that include SaaS business reporting, cash flow, and profitability modeling.
• Energetic individual with the ability to engage in positive and proactive selling and ensure a fresh and appealing display by keeping cases and shelves clean and well-stocked. Seeking a Part-time Specialty Team Member position with Whole Foods Market to utilize strong ability to learn basic knowledge of all products carried in the department.
• To obtain a position with Putnam Plastics as a Part-time Human Resources (HR) Assistant, to leverage the ability to assist with all administrative functions of HR. Also bringing Associate’s degree, 3 years of experience in Human Resources, experience with running payroll and familiarity with HRIS, as well as advanced experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

More Resume Objective Examples for Part-time Jobs [6-10]

6. Passionate individual seeking a Part-time Recruiter position at the City of Memphis, to leverage the ability to coordinate the overall recruitment process, including the job posting, interviews, and hiring. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, and 5 years of progressive professional work experience in performing employee selection activities in a human resources environment.

7. Safety conscious individual with 4 years of work experience in a cultural background and strong ability to carry research to completion desires a Part-time Cultural Resource Specialist position with Environmental Resources Management, to carry out research and writing for cultural resource heritage components. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and strong attention to detail in the documentation of work.

8. An individual with a strong ability to learn quickly interested in the Part-time Customer Service Representative position at Cognizant. To apply 5 years of work experience in retail setting to effectively address client queries with timeliness and accuracy. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree, eCommerce, order management, and customer service skills.

9. Team-oriented individual eager to work at Spurs Sports & Entertainment as a Part-time Fan Expertise Representative, offers the ability to maintain high levels of friendliness and a professional demeanor while delivering exceptional fan experience to family members. Also coming with the ability to provide a safe atmosphere for all fans by understanding and using established processes and rules.

10. Seeking a Part-time position with Refer.IO as an Email & Facebook Content Marketing Specialist where proven creative writing skills and excellent mind for business will be utilized. Also coming with analytical and solution-driven skills, and the ability to identify potentially new content ideas and programs and then do the research to create amazing content.

More Resume Objective Examples for Part-time Jobs [11-15]

11. Extremely organized individual interested in securing a Part-time Marketing Analytics position with Advanced Recovery Systems, LLC to help in transforming raw data into action items and in finding and implementing process improvement ideas. Also bringing a Master’s degree in Data Science, SQL knowledge, and familiarity with SAS python.

12. An individual with strong reasoning ability looking to contribute enough experience in the Part-time Retail job at The Container Store. Coming with the passion to connect with customers and team members to provide clear, concise, compassionate communication. Also bringing the willingness to organize and help customers find solutions, as well as provide exceptional customer service experience.

13. Seeking the job of a Part-time Mailer at Dow Jones where good verbal and written communication and strong problem-solving skills will be utilized. Also coming with a High School diploma, proficiency in the use of business PC applications and mailroom controls, and strong ability to prepare mailroom for the nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.

14. Experienced individual seeking a Part-time Admissions Associate position with PharMerica to assure completion of the necessary information from the entry sheet and medication orders for data entry and account set-up in the AS400 system. Coming with a High School diploma, 1-year data entry experience, 1-year experience in the healthcare industry, and basic computer knowledge including Excel and Word.

15. Specialized Part-time Human Resources (HR) Assistant with an Associate’s degree and 3 years of experience in human resources. Longing for a Part-time HR Assistant position with Putnam Plastics, to apply five years of experience running the payroll in assisting with all administrative functions of HR. Also coming with familiarity with HRIS and advanced experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

More Resume Objective Examples for Part-time Jobs [16-20]

16. Passionate individual hopeful for a Part-time Research Associate position with Kelly, bringing 3 years of analytical laboratory experience to effectively work as a bench scientist to assist the Principal Research Scientist for bio-analytical projects. Also coming with a Master’s degree and excellent oral and written communication skills.

17. Talented individual seeking to work with Pathrise as a Part-time Strategy & Operations Mentor to effectively guide fellows through technical and behavioral aspects of the job search. Coming with good understanding of the current requirements of Strategy & Operation’s interviewing standards, fluency in most of the topics, and 5 years of industry experience with strategy and operations, including prior teaching experience.

18. Hopeful to gain employment with Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a Part-time Audio and Visual Technician where three years of experience working in a higher educational institute will be applied to provide set-up and support of PCs, projectors, microphones, lighting, and sound systems for all campus events. Also bringing Associate’s degree in Event Management.

19. To obtain a position with PeopleShare as a Part-time File Clerk to provide quality support to a team of 8 or more people and receive required forms and documents, as well as scan and email them to the desired location. Also bringing email correspondence experience and experience with scanning, filing, and electronic file management.

20. Highly skilled individual with strong attention to detail and organizational skills seeks a Part-time Merchandiser position with American Greetings. Coming with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance, and exceptional ability to work effectively with others. Also bringing strong willingness to be trained and follow procedures accurately, and the competence to operate efficiently under minimal or no supervision.

To increase your chances of getting the recruiter/employer to read your resume or CV for a part-time job, it is important to begin it with an objective statement that gets their attention.

This post provides you great ideas and examples you can apply to make an effective resume objective for the part-time job that you desire.

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• Ask Amanda: How Do I List...

Ask Amanda: How Do I List Temp Jobs on My Resume?

7 min read · Updated on October 20, 2021

Knowing how to put temporary work on your resume can be the difference between landing the job and getting stuck in the resume black hole.

Each week, TopResume's career advice expert, Amanda Augustine, answers user questions like the one below from Quora and our Ask Amanda form. A certified professional career coach (CPCC) and resume writer (CPRW), Amanda has been helping professionals improve their careers for nearly 15 years. Have a question for Amanda? Submit it here .

Q: How can I make my temp jobs look good on a resume?

For the last 8 years, all of my jobs were temp or contract work through an employment agency. How do I put "achievements" on my resume when all my work looks like just a "do-er?" — Gayle

Knowing how to put temporary work on your resume — and make it look impressive to hiring managers — can be the difference between landing the job and getting stuck in the resume black hole . It may seem impossible to list your temporary jobs in a way that paints you as an “achiever” versus a “doer,” but there are things you can do with this work experience to demonstrate your value to a potential employer.

How to list your temp work on a resume

First, you'll need to decide whether it will serve you better to list each temp job as a separate gig within your work experience or to group them together. This is one of those judgment calls that a professional resume writer is especially good at helping his or her clients make.

How to list temp jobs on a resume: example 1

Generally speaking, if you only have a couple of short-term or contract positions throughout your work history, then you're better off listing each position in a separate entry. Be sure to include the word “temp,” “temporary,” or “contract” next to the job title to explain to the reader why your employment with that company was so short lived. In addition, this is one of those times where you're probably better off listing your start and end dates using both the month and the year. Whatever format you decide to use for the temp jobs on your resume, make sure you are consistent.

NORTHWELL HEALTH LABS, New Hyde Park, NY

Medical Receptionist - Front Desk (Temp) | Mar 2018 - Jul 2018

Answered over…

Checked in…  

NORTH SHORE-LIJ MEDICAL GROUP, Islandia, NY and North Babylon, NY

Office Receptionist (Temp) | Sep 2017 - Feb 2018

Managed schedules for…

Helped to maintain records for…

How to list temp jobs on a resume: example 2

If, like Gayle, your employment history is dominated by temp and contract work, then your best bet is to group your temp jobs together. This works especially well if all your temporary positions were arranged through the same agency, if you held similar titles, or if you performed similar duties during each assignment.

When grouping multiple temp jobs on your resume, list the agency as your employer, write a blurb that explains the types of assignments you accepted during that time, and then include a list of bullets that call attention to tasks you performed that are most noteworthy or are best at demonstrating your qualifications. Depending on your situation, you may or may not choose to list each temporary contract agreement and your employment dates with that company in the bullets.

ROBERT HALF, New York, NY | 2015 - Present

Medical Receptionist - Front Desk (Temp)

Contracted by staffing agency Robert Half to work on a temporary basis as a receptionist for numerous medical facilities, including hospitals, physician private practices, and medical laboratories, throughout the greater New York City area. Performed diversified secretarial duties including, but not limited to: scheduling appointments, greeting and checking in patients, maintaining files and filing systems, and managing the inventory of office supplies.

Northwell Health Labs, New Hyde Park, NY (Mar 2018 - Jul 2018): Answered over 60 phone calls a day at one of the busiest medical labs on Long Island. Checked in 30-50 patients each day, often working with three or more people at any given time.

North Shore-LIJ Medical Group, Islandia, NY and North Babylon, NY (Sep 2017 - Feb 2018): Managed schedules for 10 OB/GYN physicians working out of two locations, often rearranging appointments at a moment's notice. Helped to maintain records for more than 1,200 patients and digitize vital medical information.

How to make your temp work look impressive

Show, don't tell.

When recruiters are evaluating candidates during the job search, they're looking for proof of relevant skills. After all, it's one thing to say you're a great multitasker or that you thrive in a fast-paced work environment, but it's another thing entirely to be able to back up these claims on your resume with work examples.

Once you've made a list of the soft and hard skills that are required to do the job you're seeking, take another look at each role you've held and identify where and how you've used these valuable skills to benefit your former employers.

Find the drama

For some professionals, such as those in sales or finance, it can be relatively easy to position yourself as an “achiever” versus a “doer” to hiring managers. Instead of listing responsibilities, these professionals should focus on sharing the results they've achieved for each employer while carrying out their responsibilities. Click on the following link for more information on how to position yourself as an “achiever” versus a “doer” on your resume .

If you're an entry-level worker or if much of your experience is temporary work, you'll need to get creative if you want to describe your seemingly boring temp job in a way that makes it interesting to hiring managers. In an article my friend, Danny Rubin, penned about how to make any job look remarkable , he advises job seekers to ask themselves the following questions:

How are/were my jobs dramatic?

What made them tense or stressful?

According to Rubin, every job has moments of stress or high emotion. Use those opportunities to demonstrate how you possess the skills required to do the job you're seeking. Your goal is to provide proof of your skills and describe it in a way that hiring managers will find interesting.

Consider which of these statements sounds better to you:

Managed schedules for 10 OB/GYN physicians working out of two locations, often rearranging appointments at a moment's notice.

Scheduled appointments for patients in a timely manner.

Recruiters think so too.

Quantify your temp experience

Every job on your resume will look more impressive when you are able to add numbers. If you're not in a position to talk about how your work led to more revenue, fewer costs, or an increase in customer satisfaction, use numbers to give hiring managers a better sense of the job you did and the environment in which you worked. This could include, but is not limited to, the number of:

Calls you answered or made on a given day.

People you supported, checked in, or fielded questions from.

Emails you replied to.

Product or product categories you helped restock on shelves.

You get the idea. Make a list of your job duties. Then, look for places where you can add numbers to provide a clearer picture of the work you did.

Find out if your resume is positioning you as a "doer" or an "achiever" with our free resume critique.

Recommended Reading:

• Ask Amanda: How Do I Showcase My Soft Skills on a Resume?
• Good Second Jobs to Earn Cash Outside Your 9-to-5
• Ask Amanda: How Can I Turn Part-Time Work Into a Full-Time Job?

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60+ Resume Objective Examples for 2024 & How-to Guide

• Objective in a Nutshell
• Do I Need an Objective?
• Write a Resume Objective That Rocks
• 3 General Objectives
• 60 Resume Objective Examples

Resume Objective FAQs

As a job seeker, you know getting a job isn’t easy. Even with the increase in salary information, thanks to new  pay transparency laws , finding a job that suits your talents is challenging.

Now it’s time to start writing your resume, which means deciding if you’ll add optional sections like an objective statement. An objective can add valuable information, but knowing when to include one is tricky. Plus, a career objective is often confused with a  resume summary .

We’ll tell you the differences between the two, and we’ll help you write an objective that highlights the best parts of your resume. Whether you’ve found the  best resume builder  or are wondering where to start, we’ve got the answers you need to write an amazing objective. 

Resume Objective in a Nutshell

First: What is a resume objective? Well, it’s basically a snapshot of your best and most relevant expertise, given the position you’re hoping to snag.  The primary purpose of your career objective  is to quickly highlight your relevant skills and alignment with the specific company’s values and/or goals.

You want to ensure that any recruiter or potential employer sees why it would be ridiculous  not  to hire you! Your objective should hook the reader, persuading them to continue reviewing your resume—and, ultimately, shoot you an email or a phone call.

How do I know the difference between a resume objective and a summary?

Don’t worry if you’re confused about whether an objective or  resume summary  is the best choice for your resume. They’re pretty similar, and their contents can overlap quite a bit depending on the applicant, so there’s no need to overthink it! Still, there are a couple of differences to keep in mind if you’re struggling to decide:

Resume objective:

If you’re either switching careers or just starting in your field, then an objective statement could be the perfect intro to let employers know you’re the right pick. Resume objectives should stay between two and three sentences and  focus on your short-term career goals and how you’re qualified to start pursuing them .

Resume summary:

A summary, which is also two or three sentences, usually best fits folks with more experience within their career. This statement summarizes a candidate’s extensive skills and work history. The  resume summary  could be your ideal option if you want to progress in a career where you’ve already experienced success.

Do I Need a Resume Objective ?

To start, consider whether you need an objective at all. Any stellar resume will fall at a page, and you’ll need to make every bit of space count. So, it’s essential to consider whether your objective will add value to your resume or just waste space.

An objective generally suits those who are entry-level or are changing careers. This statement summarizes a candidate’s most relevant, job-specific skills and identifies why they want to work for a target business.

Adding a resume objective could be wise if you want to break into a new career, show the employer you genuinely desire to work for their business, or resourcefully fill up a little extra white space.

Resume objectives can add value if:

• You’re an entry-level candidate
• Your work history is light
• You’ve decided to make a career change

But when should you discard the objective statement entirely?

Keep in mind that, on average, hiring managers spend just over seven seconds reviewing your resume before determining whether they’ll take a closer look. That’s a narrow window, so if your resume errs on the side of generic or bland, omitting it is best.

How to Write an Objective for a Resume

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time writing your resume objective statement. Luckily, seeing samples of how others have handled similar obstacles can help—just remember to inject your personality and make each objective statement as unique as you are. And while comparing others’ statements to your own, ask yourself: “Which of my achievements look the most impressive?”

Plus, we’ve got a fantastic formula for you that will further uncomplicate things:

The process is as easy as X + Y + Z = Eye-catching resume objective!

X = Your characteristics and personality traits Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results Z = How these results apply to the specific job role

Keep this formula in mind, and you’ll surprise yourself with professional and engaging results like the objective below:

X =  Ambitious, adaptable, eager, self-motivated, and efficient

Y =  2 years of intern experience within the field, learned skills/experience

Z =  Technical and soft skills tie in with forging strong teams and client connections

7 ingredients to resume objective success

Not sure where to start? Check out these seven tips on how to add the maximum value to your resume objective and launch yourself into the top  20 percent of job applicants who actually get interviewed  for a single job:

Don’t worry if this is a little overwhelming at first glance! Many job seekers linearly work through their resumes, but  save your objective for last,  even though it appears first. Once you fine-tune other sections, it’ll be easier to pinpoint choice details to fill in the formula and complete your perfect objective. (And who says you have to nail your statement the first time you write it?! Go through as many iterations as you need when you  outline your resume .)

1.  Inject your personality

Bonus points if you tie your personality traits in with the company’s values through skillful word choices! No one wants to read a bland resume objective that doesn’t connect the person with the company—they want to know  who  they’re hiring.

2.  Lead with strengths

These strengths could be notable projects or extensive educational background for entry-level applicants or graduates. For anyone changing careers, include successes like past work projects that demonstrate overlapping skills/values with the role you’re currently seeking. Mention relevant certifications in your objective, too!

3.  Minimize personal pronouns and contractions

Details like these may seem inconsequential and even helpful when trying to save space, but they can make your resume too informal. Also, referring to yourself instead of your skills can make it seem like you’re only interested in what the company will do for you.

(Hint: Gauge the company’s tone in its  job description  and website. You can get away with contractions more readily with informal companies).

4.  Keep it at two or three sentences

Again, resume space is invaluable! Make the most of this real estate by ensuring your objective is long enough to provide eye-catching value but short enough that it won’t get skipped. Save the details for writing a cover letter . Critique it visually, too—how does it look on the page?

5.  Talk about your relevant skills

 Revisit the job listing for crucial skills that match your expertise and leverage that in your objective statement.

6.  State why you’re interested and why you fit the role 

Other skilled applicants undoubtedly applied for this same role—so what makes you the right fit? Mentioning why you’re interested in the position and how you’re a good match will help you stand out from the crowd.

7.  Use a resume template that gives you the option to include an objective

Why reinvent the wheel? All our  free Google Docs resume templates  have space for your objective. Take advantage of a  resume template  (you can edit the one just below!) already laid out for your specific needs rather than dealing with the frustration of a template breaking because you tried to add one.

Middle School History Teacher Resume

Common resume objective roadblocks

If you’re struggling, remember that starting in the wrong place is a common but avoidable pitfall: many applicants try writing their objective first, only to find they don’t know where to begin.  Lessen your stress by drafting the rest of your resume first . Writing a quality resume objective will become easier once your qualifications are laid out on the table. 

Since your objective needs to take up so little space, get selective while skimming the cream of the crop from your resume bullet points. What previous roles resulted in your most impressive contributions to a company? Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think of what they’d want in their next hire, then write your objective based on your most dazzling selling points. 

Return to our objective samples in this post anytime you need some inspiration. You can also better prepare with a  resume outline . Planning out the arrangement of your background and skills will simplify filling out your resume when the time comes. 

Resume objective knockouts, hopefuls, and wannabes

To give you some examples of what we’ve been talking about, let’s look at a mock  job description for a data scientist  and compare three resume objective statements to see what passes muster.

Data scientist job description example:

Currently seeking a remote data scientist for Infinity Solars who is self-starting, innovative, and skilled with various data tools to design/create predictive customer behavioral models. Must be able to translate data for all levels of communication to support leadership groups, give team members actionable business insights, and lead machine-learning algorithm development. Must exhibit exceptional critical thinking skills by gauging the effectiveness and accuracy of data quality and mining techniques.

Now, let’s see how these example resume objective statements stack up:

I can definitely talk to people since I just got out of college for biology. I’m good with group projects and know a lot about computers.

Why it’s not a winner :   Leave out bland objectives like this one, which lacks the valuable info necessary to justify taking up space. What kind of job is this even for?

I love solar power and could use my background in data analysis to help your company. I’m also a big team player and have plenty of qualifying technical skills.

Why it’s just okay:  At least there’s some personality here, although it’s a little informal. This candidate should also specify skills that would benefit the specific company.

Knockout:  Check out our example!

Why it’s great:  Nice—personality traits and skills that align with the job description! We also see years of experience with well-rounded skills that would benefit the company, presented with compelling and enthusiastic word choices.

3 Resume Objectives That Are General but Not Generic

Keeping a few general (but not generic!) resume objective statements nearby enables you to customize your resume at any time quickly! Take a look at these general examples and note how to make them specific to you: 

Make resume objective #1 specific to you by:

• Speaking to the exact obstacles the company mentions in its job ad
• Mentioning the company name

Make resume objective #2 specific to you by:

• Mentioning your relevant educational or professional background
• Connecting your goals with the company’s

Make resume objective #3 specific to you by:

• Mentioning a notable company from your extensive experience
• Presenting your abilities as solutions to company obstacles

7 Resume Objective Examples by Career Stage

The current stage of your career journey is crucial regarding the tone of your resume objective—a senior-level candidate who’s changing careers, for example, should sound different from a fresh graduate. See what we mean?

1. Entry-level resume objective

Entry-level resume examples >>

2. No experience resume objective

3. Internship resume objective

4. Changing locations resume objective

5. Student resume objective

Graduate student resume examples >> College student resume examples >> High school student resume examples >>

6. College graduate resume objective

College graduate resume examples >> MBA resume examples >>

7. Changing careers resume objective

Career change resume examples >>

20 Resume Objective Examples Tailored to the Job Description

Now that you’ve made it this far, we’ve put together 20 more resume objectives—specific to various professions—so you can see how they exemplify our tips and tricks from earlier!

1.  Accountant resume objective

Accountant job description  key details:

• Critical thinking and adept organizational skills, especially concerning client information and records
• Information gathering and the ability to handle large data sets
• Strong ethics and integrity with sensitive personal information

Accountant resume objective:

Why this resume works

• This candidate addresses skills emphasized in the job description while injecting personality and enthusiasm for the role. 
• They also make up for their limited background experience by focusing on the skills that will make them great accountants while demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

Accountant resume examples >> Accountant cover letter examples >>

2. Attorney resume objective

Attorney job description  key details:

• Ability to handle fast-paced and high-stress settings
• Compassionate and caring
• Logical and creative 

Attorney resume objective:

• Applicant leads in with necessary and location-specific qualifications and knowledge. 
• The objective mentions compassion and determination to find justice, tying these values with the organization by name.

Attorney resume examples >> Attorney cover letter examples >>

3.  Business analyst resume objective

Business analyst job description  key details:

• Analyze, evaluate, and improve business processes
• Incredible communication and listening skills
• Detail-oriented, innovative, and technically competent

Business analyst resume objective: 

• This candidate uses language from the company site to exhibit relevance despite having limited professional experience. 
• Applicant quickly provides experience and desirable skills that mirror the job description.

Business analyst resume examples >> Business analyst cover letter examples >>

4.  Customer service resume objective

Customer service job description  key details:

• Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Flexible and adaptable 
• Dependable team player

Customer service resume objective: 

• The candidate shows efficiency by quickly laying out experience and applicable skills. 
• This resume objective responds directly to the company’s mission statement in both phrasing and qualification choices.

Customer service resume examples >> Customer service cover letter examples >>

5.  Data analyst resume objective

Data analyst job description  key details:

• Exemplary analytical and data gathering skills
• Ability to translate large data sets into actionable points
• Monitor KPIs and generate reader-friendly reports

Data analyst resume objective: 

• This candidate may not have traditional work experience but leverages freelance work to prove knowledge and impact. 
• It’s a good idea to tie your qualifications to the company’s mission statements, just like this applicant shows how their skill set will benefit the organization.

Data analyst resume examples >> Data analyst cover letter examples >>

6.  Data engineer resume objective

Data engineer job description  key details:

• Mine data via modern tools and programming languages
• Ideas for innovative and creative solutions
• Teamwork and strong collaboration skills

Data engineer resume objective:

• Work culture and environment are casual here, so the candidate matches this tone. 
• The candidate emphasizes teamwork and other skills emphasized in the job description.

Data engineer resume examples >> Data engineer cover letter examples >>

7.  Data scientist resume objective

Data scientist job description  key details:

• Understanding of how to apply scientific methods to data analysis
• Use algorithms KPIs to generate business insights 

Data scientist resume objective:

• The applicant doesn’t have tons of experience, but they dive right into their educational and technical qualifications to make up for it.
• The tone of this resume objective mirrors that of Barilla’s company culture, and it pulls in some unique phrasing from their website.

Data scientist resume examples >> Data scientist cover letter examples >>

8.  Graphic designer resume objective

Graphic designer job description  key details:

• Creativity and technical ability
• Strong understanding of how to captivate customers with visual media
• Ability to think outside of the box and implement new ideas within the creative team

Graphic designer resume objective: 

• While the candidate’s field is creative, Felicity’s tone is professional, so the objective statement reflects this.
• We see qualifications right out the gate, followed by a strong tie-in with company values.

Graphic designer resume examples >> Graphic designer cover letter examples >>

9.  Human resources (HR) resume objective

Human resources (HR) job description  key details:

• Policy adherence, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
• Super communication while educating employees and handling paperwork
• Hiring and intake process 

Human resources resume objective:

• We immediately see language pulled from the company site and key skills from the job description. 
• The candidate then brings in personal traits that make them an ideal fit for the role.

Human resources (HR) resume examples >> Human resources (HR) cover letter examples >>

10.  Nursing resume objective

Nursing job description  key details:

• Checking, recording, and reporting patient vitals 
• Compassionate and caring bedside manner
• Resilience during long shifts and difficult situations

Nurse resume objective:

• This candidate covers all the key points from the job description perfectly.
• The applicant also explicitly mentions the job setting by name.

Nursing resume examples >> Nursing cover letter examples >>

11.  Operations manager resume objective

Operations manager job description  key details:

• Increase profits by improving efficiency 
• Leadership and administration
• Strategizing and problem-solving

Operations manager resume objective:

• The applicant establishes a personal connection with Hilldrup and provides valuable skills.
• This candidate may not have much experience to share, but they demonstrate specific abilities from the job description and reference the company mission statement.

Operations manager resume examples >> Operations manager cover letter examples >>

12.  Product manager resume objective

Product manager job description  key details:

• Ensuring congruence between products and company strategy/goals
• Ability to oversee all functions and aspects of a product’s lifecycle
• Communication, collaboration, and facilitation 

Product manager resume objective:

• All the key “skill categories” are covered! This candidate sounds well-rounded and capable.
• The applicant also references the company vision and specific nuances from the job description.

Product manager resume examples >> Product manager cover letter examples >>

13.  Program manager resume objective

Program manager job description  key details:

• Leadership, delegation, and coordination abilities
• Planning, guiding, and driving projects to enhance the company’s portfolio
• Policy adherence and optimization

Program manager resume objective: 

• This applicant may be an intern, but they nail the ideal attitude of a confident program manager.
• We see plenty of key terms from the job description with a little spark of personality from the company site.

Program manager resume examples >> Program manager cover letter examples >>

14.  Project manager resume objective

Project manager job description  key details:

• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments

Project manager resume objective: 

• Applicant makes up for limited-to-no professional experience by diving into powerful, relevant skills. 
• Key phrasing from goals on the company site also makes an appearance.

Project manager resume examples >> Project manager cover letter examples >>

15.  Recruiter resume objective

Recruiter job description  key details:

• Interpersonal skills and an eye for talent
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills
• Ability to guide new hires through onboarding

Recruiter resume objective: 

• The soft skills are strong here and immediately tie in with other impressive qualifications. 
• The candidate references the company’s name, goals, and mission statement.

Recruiter resume examples >> Recruiter cover letter examples >>

16.  Sales resume objective

Sales job description  key details:

• Team leadership abilities and ability to self-motivate
• Ability to research and analyze market trends
• Familiarity with software as it applies to customer assistance and troubleshooting

Sales associate resume objective:

• We see relevant personality traits, skills, and experience immediately.
• The candidate ties personal abilities and past experience with a brand-new role and the company vision.

Sales resume examples >> Sales cover letter examples >>

17.  Scrum master resume objective

Scrum Master job description  key details:

• Ability to serve as the point of contact for external communication
• Results-driven personality and ability to pinpoint areas for improvement
• Adaptability while teaching and adhering to Agile/Scrum values and empowering team members

Scrum master resume objective: 

• The applicant’s personality shines through as they highlight personal skill growth.
• The tone of this resume objective is ambitious and knowledgeable.

Scrum Master resume examples >> Scrum Master cover letter examples >>

18.  Social media manager resume objective

Social media manager job description  key details:

• Ability to strategize, plan, and execute ad campaigns
• Knack for keeping up with market trends
• Increase target audience reach via analytics and targeting

Social media manager resume objective:

• This candidate gets straight to the point, citing an impressive metric and relating it to the company.
• Worthington’s company vision also makes an appearance. Nice!

Social media manager resume examples >> Social media manager cover letter examples >>

19.  Software engineer resume objective

Software engineer job description  key details:

• Engineering mindset applied to software development
• Analyze, enhance, and test existing software and code
• Creativity while engineering new programming solutions

Software engineer resume objective:

• The candidate mirrors the conversational, storytelling tone of the company site and pulls specific phrases from its vision statements. 
• Technical skills and a go-getter attitude make up for a sparse professional history.

Software engineer resume examples >> Software engineer cover letter examples >>

20.  Teacher resume objective

Teacher job description  key details:

• Fantastic communication and listening skills
• Ability to pleasantly keep control of the room
• Organization and record-keeping abilities 

Teacher resume objective:

• The applicant leads with a robust set of personal qualities that demonstrate the ideal archetype of a caring teacher. 
• The candidate highlights  how  their skills will benefit people at the school where they apply.

Teacher resume examples >> Teacher cover letter examples >>

30 More Job-Specific Resume Objectives

While you look through these next 30 resume objective samples, imagine they’re tailored to a specific job description—and look for ways you can do the same while writing your own.

1.  Account manager resume objective

2.  Barista resume objective

3.  Chef resume objective

4.  Computer science resume objective

5.  Construction worker resume objective

6.  Consulting resume objective

7.  Dentist resume objective

8.  Electrician resume objective

9.  Front desk receptionist resume objective

10.  Full-stack engineer resume objective

11.  Hostess resume objective

12.  Medical assistant resume objective

13.  Network engineer resume objective

14.  Personal trainer resume objective

15.  Pharmacist resume objective

16.  Product owner resume objective

17.  Programmer resume objective

18.  Real estate agent resume objective

19.  Truck driver resume objective

20.  Web developer resume objective

21.  High school student resume objective

22.  Stay at home mom resume objective

23.  Server resume objective

24.  Nanny resume objective

25.  Data entry resume objective

26.  Marketing resume objective

27.  Teacher assistant resume objective

28.  Caregiver resume objective

29.  Social worker resume objective

30.  Dental assistant resume objective

On a resume, your objective is your goal . Where do you want to be in your field, and what qualifying skills, personal traits, or experiences will help you get there? How does the next step in your career journey relate to the job description? How do your professional goals benefit the company you’re connecting with?

A good objective statement tells readers why you want the job and how you can contribute if you’re hired. Your objective should also forge your first link with the company by connecting over mutual values or goals. You also want to keep things concise and avoid repeating yourself later in the resume: Keep everything fresh!

Your resume objective should state that you want the job and then make your reader want to give it to you by supporting your qualifications with a few skills. Connect with the company to demonstrate thoroughness and ambition! If you have an example of how you align with the company or have overcome one of their current obstacles, include it briefly if you have room.

It’s almost always effective to open your objective with a few skills that demonstrate your understanding of the job. (“Given my background in networking and my extensive knowledge of MongoDB, . . .”).

Then, you can segue into how your skills align with the job description of the company you’re applying to. You can also open with your personal connection to the organization’s values.

Your career objective should just be a few concise, skillfully crafted sentences! You don’t want to use too much page space, and you want recruiters to get to your attention-grabbing credentials and experiences quickly. Show your written communication skills by limiting your objective to around 30 to 50 words.

The purpose of an objective is to help entry-level candidates (or others with limited experience or a career switch on the horizon) sum up how their personal professional goals align with the company’s. Your objective should express enthusiasm for the core mission of the job role and demonstrate that you’re a strong candidate with examples.

Resume Objective Takeaways and Your Next Steps

We know it’s easy to get lost amid so many details and tidbits of information: But don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Refer to the above objective examples and take inspiration from our  1,000+ resume examples . 

And when it’s time to write your resume objective statement, take a step back and don’t forget about our easy formula: 

X + Y + Z = Eye-catching objective statement! 

X =  Your applicable personal characteristics and traits 

Y =  Years of experience and/or quantified success/results 

Z =  How these results (or other relevant and comparable qualifications) apply to the specific job role 

This formula will be your resume objective statement’s lifesaver! If you don’t have experience yet, try to balance that out with your previous achievements or character traits that align with the company and its vision—these will show you’re a desirable hire even if you haven’t had the chance to prove it just yet. 

Lastly, remember that we have plenty of other helpful tools to ensure the rest of your resume is as stunning as your objective statement! Stop by and check out our  resume maker and handy  resume tips . You’ve got everything you need to get started—so get ready to let yourself shine!

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195 Resume Power Words That Will Get You Hired (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Power words in resumes can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
• Tailor your power words to your specific industry and job role for maximum effectiveness.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder helps make every resume bullet point impactful with AI.

Power words are to resumes what headlines are to a newspaper—they highlight key details and orient the reader. Resume action words grab the attention of the hiring manager and applicant tracking systems—increasing your odds of standing out.

In this guide, you'll learn 195 resume power words, how to use them effectively, and the nuances of industry-specific power powers to help you craft a compelling resume that lands job interviews.

Struggling to land interviews? Write a more impactful resume with Teal's resume builder AI .

What are resume power words?

Resume power words are strong, descriptive words that highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications. These words help you make an impact because they: 

• Grab attention: They draw the reader's eye to your key accomplishments.
• Convey confidence: You appear self-assured and capable by using assertive language.
• Showcase specificity: Power words are precise and help hiring managers skim your resume without missing important details.
• Improve ATS performance: Power words often align with keywords that applicant tracking systems are programmed to identify. This increases your chances of passing initial screenings. 

195 resume power words to supercharge your application

To make your resume stand out, use words that showcase your achievements. Here's a list of resume power words designed to help your application leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Resume action verbs

Strong action verbs communicate your exact responsibility in a job role. They help hiring managers assess your accomplishments in context. Here are 100 powerful verbs that can make each bullet point on your resume more compelling.

• Spearheaded
• Orchestrated

Communication

• Articulated

Problem-solving

• Troubleshot
• Streamlined
• Conceptualized

Achievement

• Outperformed
• Accelerated
• Investigated
• Benchmarked

Improvement

• Coordinated
• Administered
• Consolidated

Customer service

• Implemented

Project management

• Facilitated

Collaboration

Accomplishment, descriptive adjectives.

The right adjectives can paint a vivid picture of the candidate's personal qualities and strengths. These 50 descriptive words will help you make an impact.

• Collaborative
• Resourceful
• Enterprising
• Conscientious
• Accomplished
• Results-oriented
• Detail-oriented

Industry-specific buzzwords

Each industry has its own language, and using the right buzzwords can demonstrate your expertise and familiarity with the field. These 45 industry-specific terms can help you speak directly to hiring managers in your chosen field.

• Machine learning
• Cryptocurrency
• Risk management
• Quantitative analysis
• Content marketing
• Brand equity
• Conversion rate
• Customer acquisition
• Telemedicine
• Electronic health records (EHR)
• Patient-centered care
• Clinical trials
• Population health
• Differentiated instruction
• Blended learning
• Formative assessment
• Inquiry-based learning

Human resources

• Talent acquisition
• Employee engagement
• Diversity and inclusion
• Performance management
• Succession planning
• Due diligence
• Intellectual property
• Arbitration

Manufacturing

• Lean manufacturing
• Supply chain management
• Quality assurance
• Just-in-Time (JIT)

Environmental

• Sustainability
• Renewable energy
• Carbon footprint
• Circular economy
• Green technology

How to use power words effectively in your resume

Now, you can’t just replace regular words with their “powerful synonyms” and call it a day. You have to place them strategically to gently compel the reader or impress hiring managers. Here’s how:

Identifying key responsibilities in job postings can help you tailor your resume effectively, ensuring alignment between your skills and the specific demands of the job.

Using power words effectively requires strategy and balance. Here’s how to make the most of them in your resume.

Tailor power words to job descriptions

To maximize your chances of getting noticed, align power words closely with the specific job description:

1. Analyze the job posting: Identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities emphasized in the listing.

2. Highlight relevant keywords: Note industry-specific terms and power verbs used in the description. Tip: Teal's Matching Mode does this for you.

3. Match your experiences: Select power words that accurately describe your achievements and align with the job requirements.

4. Incorporate naturally: Weave these words into your resume, ensuring they fit contextually and don't appear forced.

5. Prioritize placement: Use the most impactful power words in prominent sections like your professional summary and recent job descriptions. If you're writing a cover letter, sprinkle power words throughout but don't stuff them in any one section.

Balance action words with concrete examples

While power words add impact, they must be supported by specific, quantifiable achievements:

• Start with a power word: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.
• Follow with a specific accomplishment: Provide context and details about what you achieved.
• Quantify results: Include numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes whenever possible.
• Show impact: Explain how your actions benefited the company or contributed to larger goals.

Power word example in a sentence

• Weak: Responsible for sales increase.
• Strong: Spearheaded sales initiative that boosted revenue by 35% in Q3, outperforming targets by 20%.

Avoid overuse and maintain authenticity

While power words are effective, overuse can diminish their impact and make your resume seem insincere:

• Use variety: Avoid repeating the same power words throughout your resume.
• Be truthful: Only use words that accurately reflect your experiences and abilities.
• Balance with simpler language: Mix power words with more straightforward language to maintain readability.
• Consider context: Ensure the power words you choose are appropriate for your industry and career level.
• Read aloud: Review your resume by reading it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or overuse of power words.

Replacing weak words with power words

Not all words are created equal when it comes to your resume. By replacing weak, vague words with stronger alternatives, you can create a more impactful narrative. Here’s how to make those crucial swaps:

Common weak words to avoid

Frequently used weak words can dilute the impact of a resume by making your accomplishments seem vague or unimpressive. Here are some common weak words and why they are ineffective:

• Responsible for : Implies duty, not action
• Helped : Lacks specificity and doesn’t highlight your role
• Worked on : Vague and does not convey the impact of your initiative
• Assisted with : Implies a secondary role, not leadership
• Participated in : Does not show your direct contributions or the extent of your role
• Job duties included : Focuses on tasks rather than achievements
• Familiar with : Suggests a basic understanding and not proficiency
• Involved in : Does not clarify your specific role
• Handled : Too general; does not indicate outcomes
• Dealt with : Vague and non-specific

Power word alternatives

Replace weak words with powerful alternatives to make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Here’s a list of common weak words and their power word alternatives:

Examples of how to rewrite sentences using power words:

Weak: Responsible for managing team projects. Strong: Orchestrated cross-functional team projects, consistently delivering results 15% ahead of schedule. ‍ ‍ Weak: Helped with customer service issues. Strong: Resolved complex customer service issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing escalations by 30%. Weak: Worked on marketing campaigns. Strong: Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns, driving a 25% increase in customer engagement.

Industry-specific power word examples

Tailoring your resume with industry-specific power words can draw the reader's attention to relevant achievements. These examples show how to align your language with the expectations and standards of various fields.

Technology and IT

In the world of technology and IT, precision and clarity are key. Here’s a selection of power words that can help you articulate your technical expertise and accomplishments.Power words

• Architected

Sample resume statements

• Architected scalable cloud infrastructure, reducing downtime by 99% and cutting operational costs by 30%.
• Debugged complex legacy code, improving system performance by 40% and eliminating critical security vulnerabilities.

Finance and accounting

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in finance and accounting. These power words will help you highlight your analytical skills and financial acumen:

Power words

• Diversified
• Strategized
• Forecasted quarterly revenue projections with 98% accuracy to aid expansion initiatives.
• Streamlined accounts payable processes, to reduce  processing time by 35% and eliminate $50,000 in annual late fees.

Marketing and sales

Success in marketing and sales depends on driving engagement and converting opportunities into results. These power words will help you showcase your ability to innovate, persuade, and achieve impressive outcomes:

• Transformed
• Revolutionized
• Launched an innovative social media campaign that led to increased brand engagement by 150% and drove 10,000 new qualified leads.
• Negotiated strategic partnerships with key industry players, resulting in a 40% boost in annual revenue and expanded market share.

Healthcare and medical

In the healthcare and medical sectors, your resume usually needs to reflect both your technical skills and your dedication to patient care. These power words emphasize your expertise in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

• Rehabilitated
• Collaborated
• Implemented new patient care protocols, reducing average hospital stay duration by two days and improving patient satisfaction scores by 25%.
• Researched and introduced cutting-edge treatment methods, resulting in a 40% increase in positive outcomes for chronic condition management.

Education and teaching

Educators are not just teachers—they are mentors and leaders shaping the future. Use these power words to highlight your contributions to student learning, curriculum development, and educational excellence.

• Differentiated
• Developed and implemented inquiry-based science curriculum, increasing student engagement by 45% and improving standardized test scores by 30%.
• Mentored struggling students through targeted intervention programs, resulting in an 80% improvement in academic performance over one semester.

How to add power words to different resume sections using AI

Strategically incorporating power words throughout your resume can make it seem more personalized and human. Here's how Teal helps:

Professional summary

The professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. Use power words to concisely convey your value proposition:

Example: "Dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record of developing innovative campaigns that drive engagement and boost ROI. Skilled in leveraging data analytics to optimize performance and deliver measurable results across diverse industries."

You can add a professional summary by using Teal’s in-built summary generator. Follow these steps: 

• Import your existing resume into the Resume Builder

Import your LinkedIn profile or create a resume from scratch in minutes if you don't have one. Your summary will be more accurate if you provide more details about your career. 

• Update your work experiences and add achievements

Be sure to include multiple accomplishments related to your recent roles for the best results from the Resume Summary Generator.

• Generate your resume summary with AI

Save the AI-generated resume summaries to your Teal Resume Builder.

• Review and regenerate your summary

By clicking "Re-generate with AI", you can generate a new professional summary based on the existing settings. 

You can save multiple resume summaries so you can use different ones for different applications. 

Work experience

In your work experience section, use power words to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.

Teal's AI Assistant makes this easy, automatically adding power powers to the beginning of every bullet point.

• Before: Responsible for managing team and completing projects.
• After: Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 12, delivering complex projects 20% under budget and one week ahead of schedule.
• Before: Helped with customer service and solved problems.
• After: Resolved critical customer issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing churn by 15%.

Skills section

Enhance your skills section by using power words that align with industry-specific competencies:

• Proficient in data visualization and predictive modeling techniques
• Adept at agile project management methodologies
• Skilled in negotiating high-stakes contracts and partnerships

Achievements and accomplishments

Use power words to make your achievements and resume stand out:

• Pioneered company-wide sustainability initiative, reducing carbon footprint by 30% and generating $2M in cost savings.
• Orchestrated merger and acquisition strategy, resulting in 50% market share growth within 18 months.
• Revolutionized customer onboarding process, slashing time-to-value by 60% and boosting retention rates by 25%.

The impact of power words on applicant tracking systems (ATS)

In today’s job market, your resume must pass through ATS before reaching human eyes. Understanding how power words interact with these systems can give you a crucial edge in landing an interview.

How ATS process power words

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) play a crucial role in the initial screening of resumes. Here’s how they interact with power words:

• Keyword matching: ATS scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description.
• Relevance scoring: Resumes are ranked based on the presence and frequency of relevant terms.
• Contextual analysis: Advanced ATS can understand the context in which words are used, not just their presence.
• Skill identification: Power words often signal specific skills or experiences that match job requirements.

Strategies for ATS-friendly power word usage

To ensure your resume is both ATS-friendly and impactful:

• Incorporate relevant keywords: Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume.
• Balance power words and keywords: Mix industry-standard terms with relevant power words.
• Avoid overstuffing: Don’t overuse keywords or power words to the point of reducing readability.
• Use standard formatting: Stick to simple, ATS-compatible formatting to ensure all keywords and power words are recognized.

Measuring the effectiveness of your power words

Crafting the perfect resume requires continuous refinement. A/B testing and gathering feedback are essential for measuring the impact of your power words and ensuring your resume resonates with employers.

A/B testing your resume

A/B testing your resume can help determine the effectiveness of different power word usage:

• Create variants: Develop two versions of your resume, each using different sets of power words.
• Submit both versions: Apply to similar jobs with both resume versions.
• Track responses: Monitor the response rate from employers for each version.
• Analyze results: Determine which version received more positive feedback or job interview invitations.

Gathering feedback

Professional feedback is crucial for refining your resume:

• Ask for reviews: Request input from career coaches, mentors, or peers.
• Use online services: Utilize professional resume review services for expert advice.
• Interpret feedback: Analyze the feedback received to understand how your power word usage can be improved.

Power up your career with resume power words

To create a distinct resume, use words that pack a punch and highlight your achievements with precision. Power words tailored to the job and industry can elevate your resume’s impact. But remember, balance is crucial—combine these words with metrics and case studies to avoid sounding superficial.

Start by refining your resume and adding or improving power words where needed. Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder can streamline this process, helping you craft a resume that grabs attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many power words should you include in your resume.

Balance is crucial when incorporating power words into your resume. Aim for one to two power words per bullet point to maintain a strong yet natural tone. This ensures your resume is impactful without appearing exaggerated.

Can using too many power words hurt your chances of getting hired?

Yes, overusing power words can hurt your chances by making your resume seem insincere or cliché. It’s important to use power words genuinely to reflect your true experiences and achievements. Mixing power words with straightforward language helps maintain a natural flow.

Are there any power words you should avoid in your resume?

Avoid overused or cliché power words like "committed dynamic," "synergy," "hardworking," and "go-getter." These terms can make your resume seem generic and unimpressive. Instead, choose more industry-specific and impactful alternatives that accurately describe your skills and achievements.

How can you use power words if you're just starting your career?

If you're starting your career, focus on highlighting transferable skills gained from internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. Use power words to emphasize your enthusiasm and potential for growth. For example, instead of "participated in a marketing project," say "spearheaded a marketing project that increased social media engagement by 20%."

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

• A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
• Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

• Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
• Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
• Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

• Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
• Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
• Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
• Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
• Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
• How to Dress for a Job Interview
• How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
• How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
• Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

There’s a new definition of ‘casual employee’. Here’s what employers must know

Source: Adobe Stock

A new definition of ‘casual employment’ has taken effect today, August 26, underpinning how employers big and small engage with their workforce.

The change is one of the most significant overhauls caused by the Closing Loopholes package, and one of several that kick in from today.

Here’s what employers must know.

What is the new definition of casual employment?

In its simplest form, the new definition of casual employment, contained within the Fair Work Act 2009 , says a worker is casually employed if:

• They don’t have a firm advance commitment to “continuing and ongoing work”, and
• They are entitled to casual loading under their award or employment contract.

What is ‘firm advance commitment’?

Here’s where things get interesting.

The most significant change to the new definition of casual employment revolves around what counts as “firm advance commitment” to work.

The prior definition of casual employment was spelled out in 2021, when the High Court found a mine worker was a casual because his contract defined him as one, despite arguments over the day-to-day realities of his work.

In some ways, the new definition of casual work codifies a pre-2021 understanding of casual employment, which considers a broader range of factors than the contract alone.

When assessing if there is a “firm advance commitment” to work — which would exclude an employee from casual employment — the following factors should be assessed:

• The contract itself,
• The “mutual understanding” between worker and employer over the kind of work being done,
• Whether the worker can choose to offer, not offer, accept, or reject work,
• The likelihood of future work being offered,
• If permanent employees perform the same kind of work, and
• Whether the employee engages in a regular pattern of work.

Fair Work stresses this list is not exhaustive, and other factors may apply.

In addition, a regular pattern of work alone will not determine if there is a “firm advance commitment” to work; the FWC maintains there is a whole constellation of factors that apply.

What about existing casual employees?

The Fair Work Commission has this to say:

Employees classified as casual who were with their employer before 26 August 2024 will stay casual under the new definition unless they move to permanent employment.

However, the new definition applies to casuals engaged by their employer from today onwards.

What are the penalties for deliberately misleading workers?

These changes came about as part of the Albanese government’s landmark Closing Loopholes industrial relations package , which it said was designed to protect workers from exploitation.

The casual work provisions sprung from fears that some employers are obtaining full-time labour under the pretense of casual employment, without honouring the entitlements owed to full-time employees.

From August 26, there are new penalties for conning a full- or part-time worker into casual work, or dismissing (or threatening to dismiss) an employee and then engaging them as a casual for the same work.

Individuals can face fines of $93,900, with businesses on the hook for $469,500.

What is the new casual conversion pathway?

On top of all that, a new casual-to-permanent conversion pathway is coming for workers.

The Fair Work Commission says that on or after February 26, 2025 — and August 26, 2025, for small businesses — workers will be free to notify their employer if they believe they’re no longer a casual worker, and should be offered permanent employment.

Workers can only give notice if they have served at least six months with their employer after August 26 this year, or twelve months for employees at small businesses.

Employers will be free to refuse those requests if the employee still meets the definition of a casual, as described above, or if the permanent conversion would significantly change how the employer conducts business.

We’ll have more on this pathway as the dates draw closer.

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Top 10 resume trends in 2024: what you need to know to stand out.

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For most people, resume writing is a daunting task.

Job hunters wonder about how to improve their resume. Mary, a director at a large company, called for help with resume writing because she was losing her job. She said, “I’m sure my resume doesn’t represent me very well. I want it to be impressive, but I’m stumbling on how to create it. I hear people say they send out dozens of resumes with no response, which makes me very anxious. How must I differentiate myself to get an employer’s attention?”

For most people, resume writing is a daunting task. The stakes are high. Yet, you may be unaware of the current resume trends you need to consider. Here are the ten resume trends to understand to help you showcase your uniqueness and capabilities and stand out to an employer.

Self-Marketing. Self-analysis is essential to do before you start writing. Think of your resume as an advertisement trying to get an employer to buy the product, and that product is you. Outline what you are best at doing. Note your top strengths. What are relevant credentials and experience to emphasize? Identify your best accomplishments.

RESULTS. Employers hire you based on your previous achievements and the belief that you can repeat those if they hire you. Each work description must focus on sharing measurable results and outcomes. Be specific. Employers value concrete accomplishments. Emphasize if you made the company money, saved money, started something, made an innovation, or created a new tool, process, system, or program. Incorporate numbers and percentages into your bullet descriptions. Have your most impressive accomplishments and best experience near the top of the description.

Prioritize. Target what is most important to employers. Determine the key elements they seek and tailor your resume to their needs. To identify the key points to highlight, review several relevant job openings. Focus on the top three to five qualifications and duties they advertise for. Incorporate that information into your resume to demonstrate that you have what a potential employer values.

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Highlight. Showcase your success. Under your work history, you should use bullet points to create each statement. The most effective way to develop these is to use the formula: Actions = Results, noting what you did and its impact. For example, “Developed and executed a new email fundraising campaign, and the results increased donations by 21%.” Or state the dollar amount if that is impressive.

Keywords. Research the job description, paying close attention to the required skills and qualifications, and align your relevant skills accordingly. Identify the more critical tasks, such as project management or process improvement, and sprinkle these sparingly throughout the resume, especially in the work descriptions and in the summary section. Include any relevant industry terms, too. Don’t try to “keyword stuff” throughout the resume, as the ATS may reject your resume, and a recruiter may disregard it, viewing it as being too generic or lacking.

Action verbs. Under your work descriptions, start each sentence with an action verb. Use words highlighting the skill or accomplishments, such as Led, Drove, Analyzed, Designed, Originated, Implemented, Established, etc. Avoid repetition, and don’t use that same action verb to start a statement within a particular work description. Write the sentence in the past tense, even for your current position.

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). ATS is a human resources software that works as an online database or a digital filing cabinet when you submit a job application. It’s not very sophisticated and requires search engine optimization. Avoid any creative resume style. Simple formatting is the key to getting through the system’s filters. Eliminate columns, tables, text boxes, headers, footers, graphics, color ink, or PDFs (unless specifically requested).

Qualifications. Employers hire someone with the skillset necessary to succeed in that advertised job. They want a person who is not underqualified or overqualified. Carefully evaluate the role before you hit “apply.” Assess your skills, education, and experience to ensure the job closely fits your background. Refrain from applying for a job if you don’t have 80% of the qualifications required.

Soft skills. These traits help show how you fit into the job role and match the company’s culture. Include appropriate ones to supplement your hard skills. The top soft skills employers value beyond excellent oral and written communication are collaboration, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

Competencies. Employers find no value when you list a lot of competencies, such as project management, team leadership, results-driven, etc., in one section since you aren’t demonstrating exactly where you used these abilities. Avoid creating this section. Instead, inserting these competencies into the work history and summary of qualifications is much more effective. That way, you illustrate how you have that skill and apply it on the job.

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