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While you might feel hesitant to sing your own praises when looking for a new job, your resume is the last place you want to be humble. Your resume offers a brief but powerful opportunity to tell a prospective employer about the amazing things you are capable of, and without any background information or insight into who you are and what your work history has consisted of, a resume is usually the only thing an employer will judge you by until you walk into an interview. Here are a few ways that being humble on your resume can be hurting your job search.

Why You Should Be Specific

Too many applicants make the mistake of not getting specific enough on their resume. It’s very important not to be generic with your impact on past projects. Underselling your effort and your results is a very regrettable thing. Your resume should be an opportunity to tell hiring manager exactly what you did, even if they are not familiar with the terminology. They can always ask for clarity in an interview setting. Know your strengths, and stand behind your work with a resume that tells readers exactly what it is that you did.

The Importance of Results

Your resume should also be very upfront about the actual results you achieved on past projects and for previous employers. Remember that numbers make an impact. They put a quantifiable value to the work that you have done. They are also eye-catching for readers who have little time to skim over one of several resumes before deciding who to invite in for an interview.

Always Highlight the Positive

As the person who writes your own resume, you are in a powerful position to share your strengths as they are most relevant to the job you are applying to. It’s important to find the positive in your experience and in your education, and highlight why those experiences are particularly relevant for the job as described. Don’t look for reasons you shouldn’t get the job, always look for ways you should get the job, and tell your future employer that in no uncertain terms.

The bottom line is that you have control over what your resume communicates to employers. You rarely will have such a great opportunity to position yourself for success as when you first put your resume into a hiring manager’s hands. Look closely at your skills and your work history and try out a couple different resume formats to see which one presents your career in a more compelling (and concise) light. Remember that the average employer looks at a resume for mere seconds before deciding whether to follow up with a candidate. So, whatever you choose, make sure that it gets the point across quickly and effectively, and highlights your value to employers – past, present, and future.

Work With a Leader in Power Staffing

Does your resume need help to make you stand out from the competition? Contact our great team of recruiters today and work with ESGI!

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