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When you read
anything, it can either motivate you to know more or leave you unaffected.
Why the different reactions? Well, whatever you read is a collection of
thoughts or facts presented by linking together several words. If the words used are chosen with great
care, then the desired effect of the reader retaining whatever he has read
is achieved, and moreover it kindles a desire to know more. And if the
words chosen are mundane and commonplace whatever the reader reads, might
not stay with him for long. What effect would you like your resume to
have? Obviously you would want the reader to be motivated to learn more
and thus get in touch with you. The secret for doing this rests in your
hand, in the words you use to describe yourself and your achievements. A
few pointers for achieving this result.
It is
important to be positive
The
golden rule for writing resumes is to always use positive language. Never
ever use negative sentences.
For example: -
You may have a
few years of teaching experience and are applying to a research institute.
In that case never say, “I have never worked on research projects before.”
Instead say, “To work on research projects has always been an ardent
desire.” This will take the focus away from the fact that you are a novice
for research and will instead focus on your eagerness and interest in
research.
Describe
yourself in glowing terms
This is the time to blow your own
trumpet. Do it unabashedly. Do not underplay or overlook any achievement
however small it may be. Anything that you have achieved is a positive
asset, so write it down, it might help. Never generalize your achievements,
list them specifically giving enough details. Sometimes small achievements
or qualifications may highlight a part of your personality that someone
may be looking for.
For example: -
“President, Interact Club,
Christ Church College”, is too general, no one will give it a second
look. After all as President
you may have been incharge of several activities. Mention a couple. You
may say “Organized arrangements for campus interviews, set up a career
counseling centre and coordinated cultural events as President of Interact
Club, Christ Church College.”
You never know, organizational abilities might be high on the
priority list of the organization you have sent your resume
to.
Use
words that convey action
Every organization wants people who are
dynamic and enterprising. Your resume should emphasize on the ‘actions’
that you have been involved in. Use words like “participated, performed,
conceived, conducted, coordinated, proposed” to describe your activities.
Such descriptions score better than mundane
descriptions.
Some ‘power’ words to add to your
repertoire
Demonstrated,
earned, established, proficient in, recommended, facilitated, generated,
implemented, improved, solved, streamlined, initiated, set up, instructed,
maintained, launched. These are but a few drops from the vast sea of
words. Wading through these words will undoubtedly put you on the right
track to look for words that specifically describe you and your
achievements in a flattering manner. |
