Talk of a resume and it feels like we are still stuck in the Stone Age. You know the times when we used two stones to light a fire.
The same boring resume format along with a meaningless cover letter is in practice.
The objective (usually the first thing visible on the resume) says something like
“To be a part of the organisation that provides me opportunity to learn and also contribute to the growth of the organisation“.
OR
“A dynamic professional with over 10 years of experience in Sales and Business Development.”
Can you give yourself a break please?
These statements mean nothing.
If you really want to appeal to your prospective employer, then you have to tell this in a way that makes the reader sit up and take notice. It should make you stand out from thousand others who are applying for the same job.
The way to do is to state how you have solved some of the key problems that your organisation had?
Let’s see.
Are you a Problem Solver?
- Increased online sales of the white labeled products by 200% over 12 months by using digital marketing initiatives.
- Turned around the loss making project management division in 2 years by actively sourcing deals from Northern Europe.
- Built the post sales service department from scratch with 50 people, hired and trained them, which led to customer complaints dropping by 75% and satisfaction scores up by 100%.
- Reduced wastage in the manufacturing process by 30% and increased bottomline by 2 times.
Wow! I want each of these people.
It is very simple. Your prospective employer wants you to reduce her pain points so that she can focus on the deliverables of her job. And you are the one who has to help her to do that.
Now, if you want her attention and hence the job, you have to state it out upfront that you are the person meant for the role. She has to feel excited that you are the person who can take away the pain she is going through.
Set yourself as the one who can solve problems and the job then is surely coming your way. It is the one thing that counts the most in your resume.
What’s the side benefit?
Actually it is the main benefit. Do this and you will now not ask for the standard 30% jump. You can now gun for a full 100%. Can you refuse this to yourself?
So, here’s some quick action for you on the weekend.
Think about…
- What makes you different?
- What kind of problems have you solved?
- What benefits have you accrued to your organisation?
Use action verbs and bring out the problem that you solved. Don’t worry it could be a small or a big problem. Your problem solving approach is what matters the most.
There are several resume tips and formats available FREE. Throw them away, ignore them. Just take a few blank sheets and write down about everything about yourself. Keep modifying it until you see that it best describes you.
Between you and me: Redoing your resume? Want some feedback? I offer my help. Send it across to vipin [at] vipinkhandelwal.com.