Resume Achievements - Make Sure They Motivate Employers

© David Alan Carter
All Rights Reserved

If you've researched resume writing at all, you understand the important role that achievements play in getting your resume noticed and moving up the stack. That much is a given. But which of your resume achievements are likely to be most appreciated from the point of view of the prospective employer? Are some more apt to motivate that employer to pick up the phone and call to arrange an interview?

The answer is yes. There are a number of hot-button issues that motivate employers with one obvious caveat: not every field (and employers within those fields) will have the same drivers behind their purpose for existence. The Nature Conservancy, for example, is not driven by sales the way a Dow Chemical or Ford Motor Company is driven by sales.

That said, there remain some "buying motivators," general categories of needs to which most every employer is susceptible. The job

1. Making Money - The hiring managers of any organization that owes its existence to profits will certainly be interested in a candidate's accomplishments along these lines. Examples of relevant resume achievements: "Consistently increased advertising business by 10-12% annually." "Increased sales by 50% in a single year (despite an overall economic downturn)." "Developed territory from $4.5 million to $7 million in two years."
 
2. Saving Money - The next best thing to making money is saving money. Examples of resume achievements: "Achieved a 21% increase in net revenues (in just 9 months) through cost reduction program and correction of existing deficiencies." "Implemented laser fiber re-sterilization program, reducing hospital costs 30-50%."

3. Saving Time & Resources - If you found a way to reduce the time or resources necessary to meet necessary tasks, you've demonstrated that you can add value to an organization. Examples: "Reorganized Center's structure to equalize responsibilities--increasing productivity and employee morale, and reducing overtime costs." "Created customer contact portfolio leading to streamlined customer service and improved direct mail effectiveness." "Reduced A/P staff from 6 full-time positions to 4 while increasing team loyalty and productivity."

5. Improving Corporate Image and Competitiveness - Whether its building new strategic partnerships or improving public relations, improving a corporation's image and [ultimately] its competitiveness will get you noticed – and prospective employers motivated. Examples: "Coordinated innovative School-Business Partnership Program." "Established direct communications with top engineering schools/professors for graduate referrals."

As you write your resume, scour your professional past for examples of resume achievements that stimulate the "buying motivators" of the employers you're targeting. Write those achievements expertly and place them strategically in the document. And be prepared to get the phone.
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A Final Thought...

It goes without saying that your resume needs to be "top shelf" -- before you submit it to a company website. If you're considering a professional resume service, make sure their writers are certified, have experience with your industry, and will take the time to discuss your needs and gather information over the phone. And a service that will stand behind their work. Yes, they're out there.

Our Resume Writing Service Reviews page identifies 10 or more of the more popular companies out there, and I rank these writers on values like...

• » Quality of workmanship
• » Writer credentials
• » Pricing
• » Guarantees
  » Attentive customer service

You’ll find star rankings, mini-reviews, and in-depth reviews on each of the 10 companies. Whether you go it alone or trust the services of a pro writer, I wish you the best of luck in your job search! 

– David

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