Beefing Up an Anemic Resume

To get the most mileage out of your resume, you’ll want to stress certain elements of your experience. By doing so, you’ll represent your qualifications in the most prosperous light, and help give the employer a better understanding of your possible value to his or her organization. To build a stronger case for your candidacy, try highlighting the following areas of interest:

High quality achievements of specific interest. For example, if you’re in sales, the first thing a hiring manager will want to know is your sales volume, and how you ranks with your peers. If you’ve received awards, met goals or produced your company money, let the employer know.

Educational accomplishments. List your degree(s) and/or applicable course work, thesis or dissertation, or specialized training programs. Be sure to reference any special honors, scholarships, or awards you may have received, such as Dean’s List, Cum Laude, or Phi Beta Kappa.

Additional areas of competency. These might include computer software fluency, dollar amount of monthly raw materials purchased, or specialized training.

Professional designations that carry weight in your field. If you’re licensed or certified in your preferred career or belong to a trade organization, by all means let the reader know.

Success indicators. You should certainly include anything in your past that could possibly identify you as a leader or achiever. Or, if you worked full time to put yourself through school, you should consider that experience a success indicator, and reference it on your resume.

Related experience. Anything that would be applicable to your prospective employer’s needs. For example, if your occupation demands internatonal travel or interactions, list your knowledge of foreign languages. If you worked as a co-op student in college, especially in the industry you’re currently in, let the reader know.

Military history. If you served in the armed forces, describe your length of service, branch of service, rank, special training, medals, and discharge and/or reserve status. Employers generally react favorably to military service experience.

Security clearances. Some industries mandate a clearance when it comes to getting hired or being promoted. If you’re targeting a profession such as aerospace or defense, give your current and/or highest clearable status, and whether you’ve been specially inspected by an investigative agency.
Citizenship or right to work. This should be mentioned if your industry demands it. Dual citizenship should also be mentioned, especially if you think you may be working in a foreign country.

In an aggressive market, employers are always on the watch for traits that identify one candidate from another. Not long ago, I worked with an engineering manager who pointed out the fact that he was a three-time national power speed boat champion on his resume. It came as no surprise that several employers warmed up to his resume immediately, and wanted to interview him.