Facilitating a smooth career change with effective phrases
Before you put a sentence in your Summary of Qualifications, ask yourself: Is it a grabber? Is it news to the reader? If it's what everyone else says, it's not news, and it won't grab the reader. It has to be said in away that's remarkable and memorable. Always make your point as concretely as possible. Use facts to createcredibility and to instill a sense that you are unlike any other candidate applying for the job. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What specifically have I done that demonstrates that I have the desired quality?
- How do my skills translate into success at my next job?
Here are some examples of what I mean:
- Fred was applying for a pizza-delivery position. Because this type of employment has a high turnover rate, he felt his reliability was a marketable asset. So instead of writing "Excellent record of attendance," he wrote, "Never missed a day of work in 11 months."
- When Sandy was going for a customer service position, she knew the potential employer was looking for someone with excellent communication skills. She wrote, "Deemed Customer Service Rep of the Month for resolving problems diplomatically."
Instead of "Goal-oriented professional," Frank wrote, "Exceeded quotas for four con-secutive years," on his resume for a sales position.
Job-Hunt Hint
Throughout the resume, write in the first person without using pronouns. In other words, phrase your statements as though you were talking about yourself without saying I. For example, write "Understand the art of conflict resolution" instead of "I understand the art of conflict resolution."
Keeping Up with the Fast Trackers
Jamie Choi designed a Summary of Qualifications section in his resume that told his potential employer tha the's experienced in his field and valued by those who work with him. Notice his clever technique of getting someone else to say he was a good employee-relations specialist: He quoted one of his former clients. His summary statements alone made the employer want to read his entire resume. Look through your evaluation forms and letters of recommendation from former employers to see if you have a quotable quote for your resume.
On the Lines of a Career Changer
The Summary of Qualifications is one of the most important sections on a career changer's resume because it becomes a bridge between the job seeker's past and future. In his resume, Charles Humphries used just three statements to provide the following information:
- He had experience in the field he was moving into (even though he'd never held the job title he was going after).
- He had the required skills and motivation for the position.
- He had a technical background, which was something his competition might not have.
Job-Hunt Hint
Although the Summary of Qualifications appears at the top of the page, you may find it easier to compose after you've written the rest of your resume.
Terms of Employment
Over and more than are two terms that are often confused On your resume, use more than to mean "in excess of." For instance, use "more than 10 years of experience" instead of "over 10 years of experience."
Bonus Check
Your Summary of Qualifications statements should so strongly paint the picture of you atyour next job that there appears to be little or no transition into your new job, even if you're making a big career change.