My resume' reads like a 'doer' and not an 'achiever'.

Question

I have had my resume' written professionally by a service and also a career coach.   In review with recruiters, the feedback always comes back as 'do' vs. 'achieve'.   Can someone offer some advice on what buzzwords to use to correct this?

Dawn · Answer

I find this to be very interesting, because the only jobs I have ever had are task-based jobs, nothing more, nothing less.  I have never increased productivity by $20,000 or saved ships from falling over waterfalls at the last minute, etc etc. - I've gotten paid to help attorneys, paralegals, and other staff, and do administrative tasks.  Why do I have to change that?  This whole doing versus tasks is the main reason why I won't apply for anything at Amazon; I find their whole process of grilling people for a whole freaking day for an admin job to be just completely ridiculous.

Lisa Lewis Miller · Answer

I'm so sorry that the resume writer and career coach weren't helpful! It's definitely a tricky art. The basic structure to always return to is start with a success/leadership verb and then include a measurement (qualitative or quantitative) before you talk about any tasks/responsibilities of the role. This link on talking about your work as accomplishments instead of tasks is great: https://www.themuse.com/advice/resume-revamp-how-to-turn-your-duties-into-accomplishments.

Juanita Phillips · Answer

This sounds very familiar. I was told the same with mine when I employed the services of a professional resume writing company. I was concerned about why it would be a problem to be perceived as a doer since the whole point of having a job is to produce results. However, the key is be perceived as a leader.. indicate that you were 'responsible for a team of x individuals to implement a system'.. hope this helps.

Caitlin (Proctor) Huston · Answer

Yes, focus on achievements and add numbers where you can. However, if you’ve already done this, know that this is common resume feedback for people trying to sell you additional resume services.

Source: I’m in the resume writing industry.

Maya Flores · Answer

Companies are looking for what you've achieved rather than what your responsibilities were. I agree with finding ways to quantify your accomplishments (%ages, rankings) and I've gotten the best luck with creating a template and customizing your resume to match key words in the job description. Good luck!

Carolyn Fields · Answer

You need to quantify your achievements - using time, cost, and/or function. Increased speed, decreased cost, improved quality - those are the big three. If you can't put a 'number' to it, at least describe the achievement in as much specific detail as possible - using project names, dates, etc.

Kendra Bluhm · Answer

All good advice and all already in the resume'.   I was looking for something that I might have been missing.  Thanks ladies!

Anonymous · Answer

Consider the 'so what' question..creating a new sales platform is nice, but from the business perspective, 'so what?' Make sure your accomplishments answer the question - if your new platform brought in 20% more sales, say so! As @focused406459says...increased speed, decreased cost, improved quality are 3 key metrics. So are strategic wins: access to new markets, shifts in share, and the like.

Sue DeRosier · Answer

It's about metrics. 'Increased revenue by 20%. Improved effectiveness of process by 15%.' Managers like numbers, so anything you can quantify, do it. Sometimes it might seem a bit of stretch, but it's worth it. For example, I am a communications professional. Much of what I do is about informing employees about XYZ, but my work is tied to a Cybersecurity Awareness effort so my goals are their goals and when those goals are met...those are my metrics.

Andy Sanford · Answer

So here is my problem, I am 55 years old and every time I try to lead, have a good idea, and make a big presentation to my bosses, I am told that I am out of order. I have a Masters Degree, and almost 2/3 of a doctorate, all with transferable skills. earned my degrees no traditionally because all these assholes told me that my lack of education held me back. Now I have the degrees and I still get treated like I have a GED. I try to 'achieve' at work, I have good ideas - but my 'leaders' are always followers, who refuse to innovate in order to protect their jobs. What am I supposed to do, lie about achievements - I tried to implement reforms, but was shut down by fearful superiors with business degrees, who are more sheep than shepherds.

My resume' reads like a "doer" and not an "achiever".

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