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When you are developing your resume, one of the most critical components is crafting detailed descriptions of your work experience, volunteer activities, projects, and other relevant engagements. It is essential that each description effectively communicates your roles, skills, strengths, and achievements to potential employers. Your descriptions should be concise, impactful, and informative.
To help you create compelling descriptions, consider the following tips:
1. Begin each entry with the name of the organization, location, dates of employment, and job title. List your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
2. Use concise phrases with strong verbs to describe your responsibilities. Focus on highlighting the skills and qualities that are relevant to the industry you are applying to. Incorporate industry-specific keywords to demonstrate your fit for the position.
3. Use a variety of action verbs to avoid repetitive language. Use present tense for current responsibilities and past tense for past experiences.
4. Avoid using pronouns like “I,” “and,” and “the,” as well as unnecessary prepositions. Where possible, quantify your achievements and responsibilities with numerical data, percentages, or monetary values.
5. Focus on your individual contributions and accomplishments within an organization, rather than summarizing the company as a whole. Highlight the three to four most significant achievements in each description.
Here is an example of a well-structured description:
Summers 20XX-20XX
Assistant Manager/Head Lifeguard at The Swim Club, Anywhere, Pennsylvania
– Resolved customer issues and ensured visitor safety
– Supervised and trained six lifeguards in club rules and procedures
– Created and managed schedules for lifeguards, swim lessons, and pool activities
– Assisted with overall club management under the guidance of the manager
To gain inspiration and ideas for crafting effective descriptions, consider reviewing resume samples provided by career development resources such as Steinbright.
Promoting Your International Experience
Studying, working, or volunteering in a foreign country can provide you with a diverse set of skills and experiences. Some benefits of international experience include:
– Adaptability to new environments, cultures, languages, and customs
– Improved communication skills, including verbal, written, and non-verbal abilities
– Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills through navigating unfamiliar challenges
Other skills you may have developed during your time abroad include independence, time management, financial management, initiative, confidence, global perspective, and cultural competency. These skills can be valuable assets in a variety of professional settings.
Here are some action verbs to effectively communicate your international experience on your resume:
Adapted, awarded, constructed, collaborated, developed, nurtured, implemented, immersed, improved, lived, managed, organized, conquered, practiced, realized, represented, recognized, shared, traveled, translated, visited, and more.
By incorporating these tips and examples into your resume, you can effectively showcase your work experience and skills to potential employers. Remember to tailor your descriptions to each specific job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and achievements. Your resume is a powerful tool for presenting yourself as a qualified and capable candidate in the competitive job market.
