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The Secret to Better Resumes and Interviews

on March 7, 2022 in ABR Blog, Career and Job Search Tips, Interview Tips

 

Writing resumes and answering questions in job interviews can be challenging, for many of the same reasons. What do you say? And how best to say it?

There’s a simple technique we have found very effective. At first, it may sound kind of harsh, but it really isn’t. Anything you consider adding to your resume, and any answer you provide during an interview, should pass the “so what?” test. By this, we mean two things.

  1. The first “so what?” refers to: is this really meaningful information?  Worthy of space on a resume or time in an interview? We recently received a resume for a Manager whose resume included “Attend all meetings punctually.” That’s great, but it’s kind of a given. Your resume (and your interviews) are where you share information that distinguishes you from your competitors, not just how you meet basic job requirements. So, do yourself a favor and set the bar high when you volunteer information.
  2. The second “so what?” may be even more important. It’s the “why” behind the “what.”  This may be best explained via examples. Rather than just saying “Implemented a new ERP system,” how about going on to explain “which reduced rework 15%, streamlined fulfillment time by 23%, and led to a 12% increase in on-time deliveries.” Or, instead of saying “revised Managerial training program,” it would definitely add some mojo to add “which increased retention by 11%, garnered kudos from employees as well as managers, and won an employee of the quarter award as a result.”

Resumes can get you interviews, and interviews can get you jobs. Hopefully, you can leverage the “so what” technique to achieve both!

Every career move should bring you one step closer to where you want to be. Set yourself up for success from the start with the help of ABR Employment Services as your job search partner. Easily submit your resume to ABR’s recruiting team today!

This blog was written by George Blomgren, Kinsa Group Recruiting Manager.

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