If you’re deciding what movie to rent or what to have for lunch, the possible down-side of a poor choice probably doesn’t amount to much. On the other hand, when your job search or career success is at stake, choices become much more critical.
In terms of your resume, that means you must communicate your value-added/ROI (Return on Investment) message to employers clearly, concisely and compellingly. Must, not should. You don’t have the option of throwing something together that gives your work history, firing it off and hoping the receiving employer will discern what a great asset you can be to the company. Won’t happen.
What’s A Value Message?
In a nutshell, it’s what you can do for the prospective employer that no one else can do, will do or does as well as you do. I’m not talking about what I call “in your face arrogance” (aka bragging). I mean providing a resume that makes it clear “quickly and unmistakably” how you can help the employer be successful (or more successful). Its intent is to send a “pick up the phone and call this person ASAP” call to action.
You might think your value should be clear if you simply list the major responsibilities you’ve held, the level you were at in a company, and so on. Unfortunately, that does nothing to distinguish you from the competition you undoubtedly will have. If something can be used to describe not only you but a host of potential other candidates who might have a similar background to yours, it’s not a value message. In short, it’s a job description.
What’s the Difference between a Value Message and a Job Description?
To give an example, here are three items from a sample COO job description provided by SHRM:
How many COOs do you suppose that could describe? Probably thousands!
Now here’s what those items might look like in the resume of a COO who is really on the ball and wants to let potential employers know that:
Two questions to consider:
Not Aiming for a C-Level Position?
Even if you don’t currently aspire to land a position as a CEO, COO, CFO or any other C-level executive, the above points remain valid. You won’t capture the attention and interest of employers if you submit a “job description” resume. I can almost guarantee it!
Georgia Adamson is owner of A Blue Ribbon Resume has been providing career management services to thousands of clients in numerous professions and industries and at all levels, including executive since 1991. In addition, she has created and conducted writing-skills and resume/interview workshops for professional groups, college students and other audiences.
To learn more about Georgia and her company, please visit A Blue Ribbon Resume To read more career articles, visit The Career Experts