In today\u2019s remote ready work world, qualified candidates are available around the globe to digitally tap into immediate, current and future opportunities. It\u2019s a competitive job market, and job seekers must ensure their resume evolves with employer expectations if they want their relevant skills and experience to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because only 75 per cent of resumes get past the robots that first scan them for contextual relevance related to the job posting \u2013 before delivering the selected ones into the inbox of a hiring manager or recruiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and they’re the reason why even the most qualified of job seekers aren\u2019t hearing back on their applications \u2013 if your resume and cover letter isn\u2019t SEO\u2019d with keywords<\/a> from the job description, it won\u2019t be read by the robot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, once a resume has been tailored to the job description to appease the ATS, it still must appeal to the hiring manager or recruiter reading it \u2013 and they have separate yet similar expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom line: In the hiring process, employers aren\u2019t looking for what actions you were responsible for in your previous roles, what employers want to see on a resume is the results you have achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A results-orientated resume focuses on the quantitative accomplishments you achieved in a previous role or project. When job candidates structure their resume to be results-orientated, they are providing credible statements, with clear implications about their technical skills and soft skills, that future employers can measure against their business objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Action statements<\/strong> Action-oriented <\/i><\/strong>e<\/i><\/strong>xample<\/i><\/strong>s<\/i><\/strong>:<\/i><\/strong> <\/i> 2. Implemented push notifications for XYZ company\u2019s mobile e-commerce app.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Designed loyalty, gamification and geolocation features for XYZ company\u2019s <\/i>app<\/i>.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s missing?<\/strong> Results statements<\/strong> 1. Developed and launched XYZ Company\u2019s flagship app that maintains a 5<\/i>–<\/i>star rating on Google play with 20K+ downloads.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Developed push notifications for XYZ\u2019s app, increasing <\/i>usage<\/i> <\/i>of mobile e-commerce app <\/i>by<\/i> 35%.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Developed loyalty, gamification and geolocation features for XYZ Company\u2019s app, improving customer retention by 15%.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s there?<\/strong> Quantitative statements can be made using numbers in: There are multiple areas within the body of the resume where candidates should include quantifiable figures: When it comes to resumes, employers are looking for a track record of success\u2014and they want to see it through quantifiable results. That means using the first page of your resume to highlight relevant experience with measurable contributions, not just responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re a graduate listing your expected graduation date or a seasoned project manager detailing high-impact initiatives, the goal is to stand out by showing how you\u2019ve added value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus on results that demonstrate leadership skills, time management, research skills, and your ability to collaborate through strong interpersonal skills. Don\u2019t forget to include detail where it matters\u2014whether it’s personal projects, education, or achievements in a professional setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, employers quickly scan resumes for essential proof of your proficiency and potential. Your resume is a professional document, and one of its most important assets is your ability to articulate your impact. Show them not just what you\u2019ve done, but what difference you\u2019ve made.<\/p>\n\n\n\nActions vs. Results resume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Actions vs. Results statements in resumes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of the job title you\u2019re applying for, every resume submitted must contain value-driven statements.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Below are examples of correct and incorrect resume statements for an Android Developer:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An action statement on a resume will describe the duties you were responsible for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Responsible for the development <\/i>of <\/i>XYZ company\u2019s flagship Android<\/i> app <\/i>for download on Google Play.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
None of the statements above demonstrate any added value to XYZ Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An action statement will describe the accomplishments you achieved. Here are some concrete examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Numbers! All of these statements above demonstrate the added value<\/a> to XYZ Company with quantifiable achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nValue quantifiers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong>Percentages
\u2022 Budgets
\u2022 Time
\u2022 Portfolio, team or project size
\u2022 Locations <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere to include\u00a0results-oriented\u00a0statements in your resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Headline (objective statements are obsolete<\/a>)
\u2022 Work history & professional experience
\u2022 Awards and achievements<\/p>\n\n\n\nShowcase the job skills employers are looking for with impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n