For example, if you made the Dean’s List every semester when you were in college, you could include, “Made Dean’s List, 8 out of 8 semesters. " That shows potential employers that your grades were consistent the entire time you were in school. You can also show consistency in a work environment. For example, you might include, “exceeded sales goals, 5 out of 6 quarters. "
For example, suppose you want a position in social media marketing. Your volunteer experience at an animal shelter might be relevant if you helped set up the social media profiles for that shelter because it gave you experience and some pages for your portfolio. Position each job you’ve had as a stepping stone toward your goal. For example, maybe you had increased responsibilities or more people reporting to you. Even if your position didn’t change much, it would still be considered a step up if you moved to a larger company or worked with more high-profile clients.
For example, you might write, “successfully motivated team to complete project 2 weeks ahead of schedule and 25% under budget. " Extra-curricular and volunteer activities can be used to show motivation as well. For example, if you were team captain of your soccer team, you might write, “as captain, motivated team from bottom rank in conference to district champions. "
For example, if you were able to make good grades in college while also working part-time, volunteering 10 hours a week, and writing a blog, all of that shows that you’re a productive person who excels at time management. If you have work experience in high school or college at a restaurant or café, include it on your résumé even if you’re not looking for a job in food service. Servers and baristas always have to keep track of many different things at once, which really showcases your time management skills.
For example, you might write, “eliminated reporting redundancy that decreased production time by 15%. " Extra-curricular activities in school are particularly valuable here because they’re never required. Participating in these activities, especially at a high level, shows that you are willing to take the initiative to get the job done and aren’t afraid of hard work.
For example, suppose you worked at the same café through high school and college, for a total of 6 years. Even though you might be far removed from that job and looking for employment in a different industry, including that experience on your résumé shows your potential employers that you’re loyal. Most work experience sections are written chronologically, but this isn’t necessarily set in stone. If you worked for one company for 10 years and worked for 2 other companies for less than a year, put the one you worked for longest first, then add the others in descending order of your tenure there. This gives you another way to emphasize your loyalty.
For example, you might write, “volunteered to work nights and weekends to complete a project ahead of schedule. " Use awards as well! For example, you might write, “received customer service award for attentive response to customer complaints. " Try not to give the impression that you constantly put in extra time for no particular reason, though—this could make you sound inefficient. [11] X Expert Source Amber LeimaResumé Consultant Expert Interview. 18 March 2022.
For example, you might write, “exceeded sales goals by 25% for 6 consecutive quarters,” or “brought in 10 new clients to increase sales by 15%. " While it might seem like a keyword to use, avoid listing things you were “responsible for” as part of your job—that’s job-description language. Instead, describe what that responsibility meant you did on a daily basis. Use measurable examples to illustrate the impact and value your work ethic brings to your current organization. [14] X Expert Source Amber LeimaResumé Consultant Expert Interview. 18 March 2022.
For example, you might write, “brought together reps from 4 departments to design marketing campaign that increased profits by 10%. " Listing your participation in team sports or extra-curricular activities also shows that you excel at cooperation.
For example, if you participate in any kind of sport or martial arts, that shows discipline. Academic achievements, hobbies, and other extra-curricular activities also show discipline. For example, maybe you’ve taken dance classes for years or played in a chess tournament.
