Resume Strengthening

As it states on p. 372 of our textbook: 1) "The resume must provide clear, specific information, without generalization or self-congratulation" and 2) "The resume must be completely free of errors"

As was lectured in class, include specific tasks, actions, tools/programs (like Microsoft Excel/ C++/Quark/ tow motor/ etc.) in the appropriate categories, especially in the Skills section.

Here are two easy rhetorical exercises you can do alone, or with a considerate reader, to help you make your resume stronger:

1) Content: Read over the resume and look for standalone generalizations. Phrases like "intelligent leader", "strong communicator", "great secretarial skills" and "well-practiced in field" are not as effective as we'd think, and really don't provide much insight into the kind of talent and experience you can bring to job. These phrases can be effective when when part of a longer description that includes specifics, but when left on their own, leave a lot of questions.

-Look for a standalone generalizations

-Then, use ask the question, "What made me (you) write that I  am (you are)/ have . . . ______?"

-Record the answers to the above question for each standalone generalization. Use these answers to revise by addition!

Example: Jason found that in his Skills section he had three standalone generalizations  that left a lot of white space and didn't really example what he thought were his strengths. Jason had written "intelligent leader", "strong communicator" and "knowledge in field". When he sat down to revise, he thought about why he wrote each of these generalizations and realized they all came from his interest in designing websites in his free time. To Jason, who is looking into finding an entry-level position in a marketing firm, he didn't think his hobby should be put on his resume.  But after showing his resume to a friend, the first question they asked was "What do you mean when you say these are your skills? Where's anything about your web designs? You're an awesome designer, and you created and run the chat forum site that keeps our friends in touch from around the world."

A light click-on in Jason's head and he realized he could incorporate all three of those bland phrases into a clearer statement, exemplifying each skill. Here is what Jason came up with: 

- Developing and managing successful personal communication websites    (or)

- Designing and administrating a nationally-growing social networking website

2) Effective and Dynamic Language: Read over the the resume again, looking at your verbs and your adjectives. After doing the above content-revision, you want to go through and make sure the language sticks out -- in a good way -- from all of the other applications. Look at how Jason's revision including reconsidering the kinds of verbs used, and added a few adjectives to make his skill look even stronger. 

-In this exercise you want to do to two things: 

1) reconsider your verbs. Go through this list here (Columbia College's list of strong action verbs) and see if you can replace what is presently on your resume with  a word or phrase inspired by the list.

2) Try to add specifics and importance with "clarifying adjectives." Again, look to Jason's example above. It is not just websites he is designs, but "nationally-growing" and "social-networking" type websites. 

Another example: On page 371, under Employment, James Wislo writes that his duties include: "Serve food across counter," which is a very boring, plain description. This kind of directness is okay, but to go beyond just okay Wislo could include "Serve food in a fast-paced environment."

Such phrasing adds extra information to the type of job, and shows you as more considerate and skilled.

Tip: Play around with some new phrases (like is done above in the example of Jason's revision) that go beyond standard prose. But, remember to maintain clarity by using specifics! Don't go overkill; use these suggestions to strengthen your resume (and overall writing skills).