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When you read anything, it can either motivate you to know more or leave you unaffected. Why the different reactions? Well, whatever you read is a collection of thoughts or facts presented by linking together several words. If the words used are chosen with great care, then the desired effect of the reader retaining whatever he has read is achieved, and moreover it kindles a desire to know more. And if the words chosen are mundane and commonplace whatever the reader reads, might not stay with him for long. What effect would you like your resume to have? Obviously you would want the reader to be motivated to learn more and thus get in touch with you. The secret for doing this rests in your hand, in the words you use to describe yourself and your achievements. A few pointers for achieving this result.
It is important to be positive
The golden rule for writing resumes is to always use positive language. Never ever use negative sentences.
For example: -
You may have a few years of teaching experience and are applying to a research institute. In that case never say, “I have never worked on research projects before.” Instead say, “To work on research projects has always been an ardent desire.” This will take the focus away from the fact that you are a novice for research and will instead focus on your eagerness and interest in research.
Describe yourself in glowing terms
This is the time to blow your own trumpet. Do it unabashedly. Do not underplay or overlook any achievement however small it may be. Anything that you have achieved is a positive asset, so write it down, it might help. Never generalize your achievements, list them specifically giving enough details. Sometimes small achievements or qualifications may highlight a part of your personality that someone may be looking for.
For example: -
“President, Interact Club, Christ Church College”, is too general, no one will give it a second look. After all as President you may have been incharge of several activities. Mention a couple. You may say “Organized arrangements for campus interviews, set up a career counseling centre and coordinated cultural events as President of Interact Club, Christ Church College.” You never know, organizational abilities might be high on the priority list of the organization you have sent your resume to.
Use words that convey action
Every organization wants people who are dynamic and enterprising. Your resume should emphasize on the ‘actions’ that you have been involved in. Use words like “participated, performed, conceived, conducted, coordinated, proposed” to describe your activities. Such descriptions score better than mundane descriptions.
Some ‘power’ words to add to your repertoire
Demonstrated, earned, established, proficient in, recommended, facilitated, generated, implemented, improved, solved, streamlined, initiated, set up, instructed, maintained, launched. These are but a few drops from the vast sea of words. Wading through these words will undoubtedly put you on the right track to look for words that specifically describe you and your achievements in a flattering manner.
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