The Proof is in the Results

You are applying for a new role and the job description says you require the following abilities: “leadership, communication, and organization”.

Will you be like the majority of job seekers and simply add these skills to your resume in the form of vague references, such as: “Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead and manage others” or “Capable of completing tasks in a timely manner”. ?

If so, watch out!  Employers do not appreciate lack-luster content; in fact many employers may choose not to read your resume any further after noting generic statements.

If you have increased sales, driven new initiatives, or collaborated closely with others you must provide an example of how the application of these skills resulted in good outcomes.  Support all statements with concrete achievements or success. Even better, quantify facts as often as possible (answer: how many, how much and how often) to add even more value.

How can you catch the eye of employers? It’s simple: provide the proof.

Instead of saying you have “Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead and manage others” you might reference a time you guided a team to great achievement, such as: “Directed the creation and execution of $18M marketing strategy in collaboration with 6 department heads; generated additional organizational revenues of $5M after two years time”. This strong statement is eye-catching, quantitative, results-oriented, and it implies good leadership and good communication skills…. without specifically listing them. The proof is in the results.

So ask yourself, how does your resume provide the proof?