One of the challenges that many people face when creating their resume is that they have held more than one job with similar responsibilities. Whether your old company closed, you moved, or you simply wanted to change organizations, you find yourself completing similar work. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – after all, that’s what your training and experience are in. But when it comes to your resume, how do you show that you haven’t spent the past 10 years sitting stagnant?
First of all, your resume should not include a generic job description. It’s not a laundry list of everything you’ve done. If you’re creating bullet points listing your job descriptions and things that are expected of anyone in that type of role, there’s your first problem. An employer is going to be turned off by a resume with a copied and pasted job description (or even just a few bullet points) that is the same for more than one job. It shows a lack of effort on your part when you should be striving to set yourself apart for the right reasons. Here are a few ways to fix this dilemma:
- Focus on your achievements: You may have done a lot of similar things, but what differentiates them? What were the unique projects you tackled or results you achieved? Were you asked to spearhead a new account, plan a special event, or sit on a select committee? Did you exceed your sales goals or drive up cost savings? Think about what you did in your role that made a difference for the company and its clients or customers.
- Incorporate metrics: Another way to separate the positions is to include metrics specific to each role. Think about dollars, percentages, and other quantifiables. How many people did you supervise? How much money did you save? By how much did you improve productivity or decrease wait time?
- Be selective: If you mentioned something already and it is the same for another role, leave it off. Remember – your resume shouldn’t rehash everything you’ve ever done. It should highlight your qualifications and accomplishments. No need to drag things out and take up valuable space being repetitive. Focus on what potential employers really want to know and what will make you stand out in a positive light.
Your resume will pack a punch and be more engaging if it’s not littered with phrases such as “duties/responsibilities included” or vague descriptions that do not demonstrate your value. Crafting a solid resume can take time. Decide what is most important in each role and how you can present yourself as effectively as possible. You only have a few seconds to grab an employer’s attention and make them want to learn more about you.
If you’re unsure about what to say or how to say it, the team at Chic Resumes can help. We’ll work with you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments and get rid of the clutter on your resume. Contact Chic Resumes at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to schedule a consultation and get your new resume underway.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
