Recruiters and hiring managers often have a set of criteria they look for in each document. With that in mind, it’s important that you write an effective job description so your resume articulates your accomplishments and what you can bring to the table.
This means creating an accomplishment based resume instead of a responsibility based resume, and creating a document that is completely unique to you. When you’re trying to write an effective job description, it’s essential that you highlight what you’ve achieved instead of simply stating that you hold a certain skill.
Your resume is your chance to highlight what you bring to the table and show a potential employer why they should hire you, but if the job descriptions you include don’t do you justice, your resume simply won’t be effective at meeting your needs. This makes writing a resume sound intimidating, however I’m showing you exactly how to write a job description that makes an impact!
Start by gathering the basics
When you’re going to write an effective job description, you have to start with the basics. The easiest way to do this is to start with the job description that you were given at work. Ideally, you’ll have the job description you were given by HR, (you should always keep this kind of information for future use) but if not, find a similar job description that closely resembles your own. You can find a lot of job descriptions online through job boards like LinkedIn and indeed.com. This will just be your base, so try to something that closely resembles your role.
Build upon what you have
Take the basic job description and add in other duties that you’ve taken on that go above and beyond what you’re required to do, or if your role has just evolved over time.
Think about the basic job description as a foundation for you to build upon. Write down if you worked with anyone outside of your department or any executives. Showing how you can work with cross functional teams is always a plus!
Make a List of Your Accomplishments
Anyone can claim that they are a great employee, but very few people can actually show it. Don’t sell yourself short on your resume, and show potential employers all of your accomplishments and achievements. Provide evidence to your claims so that they can see exactly what you can bring to the table and how you will be beneficial if hired.
- Have you increased sales? If so, by how much?
- Have you been recognized for your success? If so, how? Did you win an award, did your boss recognize your efforts in a meeting? Did a client acknowledge your hard work?
- Have you implemented process improvements or cost cutting techniques? If so, explain what you did and how it impacted the results.
Whatever you have done to improve your company and/or department, you want to show it on your resume.
The more numbers and specific metrics you can include, the better! Don’t be afraid to calculate numbers from your own data. As long as you can prove your calculations, you can use them on your resume.
Use the job description that you’re applying for
To write an effective job description, use the job you’re applying to so you can integrate key words and phrases to customize your resume to meet the exact position you’re interested in. When you’re trying to customize your resume to meet a job you’re applying to, the key is to highlight all of the skills and qualifications that the desired job description holds, and downplay unnecessary information.
For example, if you held the title of client relationship manager and did everything from sales, to client onboarding, to office management and administrative tasks, but you’re applying for an administrative assistant, you’ll want to highlight the office management and client facing communication, and you’ll most likely want to downplay the sales aspects of your previous role.
This does not mean that you should ever “dumb down” your resume. It’s always great to highlight that you’re smart, strong, and capable, however when you’re trying to customize your resume to apply for a specific job, you need to highlight the requirements of the given job description and show your potential employer why you will be a great fit.
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Writing a great resume isn’t just about how aesthetically pleasing it is. If you have a beautiful resume that doesn’t articulate your strengths, you won’t get the traction that you’re looking for. Write an effective job description by highlighting what you’ve accomplished and why you’re a valuable asset.