“Everybody knows me and my results.” This surprising comment came from a prospective client who was sure recruiters wouldn’t need an itemized listing of accomplishments on the resume. Like the client that professes not to have done anything special and only provides a job description, neither personal marketing strategy serves a candidate well.
While someone that is well known in an industry, like the first client, may be granted access to a hiring executive based on reputation alone, nearly all candidates encounter some competition. When a hiring authority compares several top candidates, the written materials left behind (or not) either confirm the candidate’s value . . . or provide a compelling case for selecting a different candidate.
No employer willingly wants to hire a substandard performer, so if you’re using a resume that only details where you have worked and the job function(s) you have performed, you’re missing a prime opportunity to illustrate your value to an employer who: 1) wants to know that you understand their problems, 2) have already solved similar problems, and 3) can apply what you’ve learned to solving the employer’s problems.
Keep a running list of accomplishments/achievements so that when you are ready to step up to a new opportunity you are fully prepared to show that you are worth the higher salary you expect.
Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com