Through Fluff in order to Facts: Curriculum vitae Writing Facts You Should Know

man wearing a mask in front of a computer hiding resume writing truths

In today’s competitive job market, where competition is fierce, hiring managers allocate only 10-15 seconds per applicant. To stand out, your resume should highlight your specific accomplishments and skills rather than relying on generic adjectives. Terms like “team player,” “problem solver,” “dynamic,” “results-oriented,” and “motivated” lack the substance needed to position you as a frontrunner. To ensure your resume doesn’t get dismissed, follow these resume writing guidelines:

Concrete Achievements vs. Descriptive Adjectives

Instead of using overused adjectives, focus on showcasing your accomplishments. While labeling yourself as “results-oriented” is a start, it’s more impactful to describe how you increased your company’s sales or grew attendance at an annual summit.

Percentage Figures over Ambiguous Terms or Numbers

Quantify your contributions with percentages. Including symbols like ‘%’ immediately capture employers’ attention. Rather than saying you increased sales by $750K in the past year, state that you achieved a 43% sales growth. Specific numbers might raise privacy concerns, whereas vague terms like “many,” “few,” and “several” can sound less convincing.
"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde's quote about resume writing truths

Results Over Responsibilities

Employers want to see your performance, not just your job description. Instead of listing tasks, illustrate your achievements. Highlight awards received or explain how your strategies yielded quality outcomes.

Specific Skills vs. Basic Proficiencies

Basic computer skills are expected; listing them won’t differentiate you. If you lack specialized skills, emphasize your proficiency level or how you’ve applied the knowledge gained from training.

Rather than populating your resume with vague statements, revamp it with impactful phrases to see remarkable improvements in your job search results. Discover more truths about resume writing on our website, including resume writing service reviews and additional tips for crafting effective resumes.

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