The secret to finding your accomplishments or resume stories

I challenge my clients to think about their best resume stories. This is the struggle that most people have in writing their own resumes. At times they are even unfamiliar with the need for resume stories and the value that the stories, aka accomplishments bring to the resume. I often follow the professional resume writer’s favorite line of questioning.

Are you asking the best questions?

Most people are clueless about what questions they need to ask to build a strong resume. I use Challenge, Action, Result (CAR) to get great resume stories. For those of you unfamiliar, this is also similar to STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result), where the goal is to get the respondent to see beyond a yes no answer and come up with something that specifies what was the challenge, what action did they take, and what was the result.

Resume Stories — The answer is in the details

1. Have you implemented and conversions from manual systems to computerized systems? If so, What was your role? What steps did you take? How did it go? Did you have to train end users? (This question works for accountants, bankers, restaurant managers, retail managers, insurance offices)
2. How have you helped your company increase revenue, streamline operations, or increase productivity. Again I ask follow-ups such as How much? How did you do it? and What was the result? (This question can be used in all the above areas but also in manufacturing, construction, health care, information technology and many more industries)
3. Do you make sure that your business is in compliance with government regulations and standards? What agencies? How do you ensure compliance? Have you improved compliance? (Manufacturing, banking, insurance, healthcare…)
4. For Executives, I have different questions that are more leadership-oriented. What methods have you developed to make sure your company and products or services remain reputable, economically viable, current, and/or ground-breaking?

Embrace your success – find your resume stories

Most people who write their own resumes skim the surface or ramble on without specifics. The hiring manager is willing to read more if the more has value. As a professional resume writer trained to write succinctly, I capture the individual’s value to the next employer.

At Design Resumes, my process has always been built on live interviewing and writing throughout the process. I understand better what gifts my clients have and how they use them. This enables me to translate this information into their resume. The clients who choose to work with me are willing to invest more time in the interview and writing process because they understand that the time investment will prepare them better for all phases of the job search. Amazingly, my process works just as well for the busy executive or top manager as it does for someone who is just graduating when they are willing to invest the time.

Need help? Hire me, Julie Walraven, Certified Master Resume Writer. I can take the pain out of writing your resume and even make it fun. We work together to discover those forgotten contributions and position you to win your next role. To find out how, Click Here.

Photo Credit: Robbert van der Steeg