ShareThisBy MAX MESSMER
Scripps Howard News Service
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
"SKILLS: Efficient and efficient."
A skill so nice you said it twice.
Job applicants can make strong cases for themselves by providing prospective employers with details about the specific skills they can bring to the table. When crafting your resume and cover letter, don't merely note tasks you've performed; show how your actions have contributed to an organization's success. Here's a good example:
"SKILLS: Used my leadership and team-building abilities to launch a companywide retention initiative that significantly lowered turnover rates and improved employee satisfaction levels."
If you've been out of the workforce for a few years, you can impress hiring managers by highlighting your transferable skills. These are the skills you've attained through various jobs and life experiences that can apply to other roles. After a decade-long absence from the traditional work world, this candidate took a lighthearted approach when describing her transferable skills:
"SKILLS: As Domestic Engineer, I'm responsible for managing the lives of my husband and six children. My position requires organization, diplomacy, honesty, communication, patience and self-motivation."
These applicants could have improved the "Skills" sections of their resumes:
"SKILLS: I can quickly sit down and stand up."
You must be good at playing musical chairs.
"SKILLS: Quickness. I'm a high-spped typist."
You're too fast for your own good.
"SKILLS: Possess vocational vital signs."
So your career is alive and kicking?
Also, if you cite any accomplishments, make sure they are truly impressive and relevant to the position for which you are applying.
"ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I once got on the radio."
Hopefully, you didn't break it.
"ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I recently found out I rank in the top 95 percent of my company in sales!"
I wouldn't start celebrating just yet.
For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.
Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies(r) and Job Hunting For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition. His most recent book is the newly released Human Resources Kit For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition.
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