New Year – New Resume

🍾🥂Happy New Year! Resolutions still intact?  Perhaps one of them is to finally give that resume some much-needed attention. Don’t let an outdated document be the roadblock to your dream career! Let’s transform it from a historical listing of positions into something that will stand out. Here’s a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

🏢 First, build on the core of  “duties & responsibilities” and highlight your accomplishments. In recruiter parlance – your Made/Saved/Achieveds. Instead of simply listing daily tasks, quantify your impact. Did you save the company 10% on annual expenditures? Did you streamline a process, boosting efficiency by 20%? Quantifying your contributions showcases your tangible value.

🦎 Next, ditch the one-size-fits-all approach. Treat your resume like a chameleon, adapting it to each targeted position. Don’t let irrelevant experiences drown out your core strengths. Tailor your skills and achievements to the specific needs of the company, demonstrating your focus and understanding of their challenges.

🎬 Action verbs are your new best friends. Swap out passive language for dynamic verbs that scream impact. Instead of “responsible for,” try “spearheaded” or “implemented.” These words paint a picture of a proactive, results-oriented professional, not someone simply going through the motions.

⚔️ Keywords are your secret weapon. Think of the job description as a treasure map, and your resume as the key. Sprinkle it with relevant keywords, ensuring it passes the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) test and lands directly in the hands of human eyes. But remember, don’t overdo it; a sprinkling of strategic keywords is far more effective than a forced frenzy.

👁️ Finally, don’t underestimate the power of visual appeal. A clean, modern format with clear sections and easy-to-read fonts can work wonders. Remember, recruiters and hiring executives receive piles of resumes. Yours needs to stand out for it’s professionalism.

Transforming your resume isn’t just about lumping your most recent job on top of your existing resume; it’s about taking control of your career narrative. Invest the time and effort and reap the rewards for years to come.

#cpacareers #resume #careercoach #cpa