I recently had the opportunity to participate in Rutger’s Resume Critique clinic for students. Bright, ambitious students of all academic levels (from freshmen to PhD candidates) came by looking for help with their resumes so that they can land an internship or a first-time job.

Besides the usual feedback about typos and the use of an objective statement to help clarify the role that the student is seeking, the most frequent feedback that I provided was about how they presented their experience.

Many students listed very specific tasks that they performed at previous jobs, whether it was as a waiter at a restaurant or as a lab assistant:

  • “I greeted each customer and delivered food to their table.”
  • “I took blood and restrained animals as necessary.”
  • “I answered phone calls.”

I shared my advice for a more dynamic task section of the resume:

  1. Generalize the tasks so that it’s about the company value that was delivered or fulfilled:
  • “I consistently executed timely and accurate delivery according to company’s customer experience values.”
  • “In a highly legalized environment, I delivered nurturing care to patients while ensuring compliance with company’s SOPs.”
  • “I achieved high level of customer satisfaction by answering and completing phone calls in a timely and thorough manner.”

2. Use power verbs and avoid passive voice when describing achievements:

  •  “Implemented marketing programs that resulted in 20% increase in traffic.” –>  “Achieved 20% increase in website traffic by implementing creative marketing initiatives.”
  • “Received many customer compliments.” –> “Successfully delivered consistent customer experience as demonstrated by numerous customer compliments.”

To help with my second recommendation, you can download a document with power verbs. Keep it handy as you revise your resume so that recruiters understand that you get things done.

Click here