Where Have You Been and Where Are You Going?
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN AND WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

What have been your greatest accomplishments at work? Have you spent some time considering this? We are often so caught up in daily living and where we’re going that we don’t stop to reflect on where we’ve been. The value of this reflection is that 1) it can be empowering to recognize our accomplishments, 2) it can clarify our direction, and 3) it has a practical application in the creation of a résumé. Whether or not you are currently job searching, a résumé in your pocket can provide security and a springboard to respond to unexpected developments and opportunities.

I have reviewed hundreds of résumés from people and invariably, they are able to identify their duties and responsibilities but encounter difficulty in identifying their accomplishments. It’s in our accomplishments that we find our satisfaction and fulfillment, where our spirit at work is expressed.

So, let’s consider how you can move past this stumbling block and identify your accomplishments. Many say that they only do their jobs and have nothing unusual to identify. In fact, just doing your job may be quite notable and require a level of skill that you do not appreciate. For example, the customer service rep who talked to over 200 people/day thought nothing of this. I was impressed that this customer rep had the skills to deal with a high volume of calls quickly and efficiently in a high-pressured environment. Another example is the sales rep who exceeded her quota the past three years but felt she should have done even better and discounted her significant accomplishments.

To begin the process, step outside of yourself and take an objective, third party look at your job. Try to see it from the perspective of someone who isn’t as familiar with your job as you are. If you don’t like the environment you are working in, try to step aside from that and look at the work itself, not the surroundings.

Then, identify what it is you did in your job. This is where most people stop the exploration process. Continue, though, and see where you can expand your descriptions. Wherever possible, add measurables to your description. How many? In what time frame? Did your actions save time or money for your company? Did you improve a process? What was the result/impact of what you did?

Once you have a clearer picture of what you did, ask yourself what skills or talents were needed to do these things? Strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, creative thinking, time management skills, organizational skills? Do you begin to see a pattern emerge of your skills and talents? Now, ask yourself which of these skills or talents did you most enjoy using? Were you using some killer skills (skills that you excel in but don’t enjoy)? Which skills really speak to your spirit at work? Which competencies would you want included in your next job?

It’s time to start organizing your information into a format to convey your strengths and accomplishments.. Create an outline of your work history for the last 10-12 years, including company, city, state and dates for each position. You can generally use years only and eliminate months. Under each job title, include a description of your primary duties and responsibilities. Next, list your accomplishments as bullets, making sure to use measurables wherever possible. As you create your document, keep your focus on what you have most enjoyed and may want to do again, and what an employer may be looking for.

After creating the body of your résumé, create a 5-6 line Summary Statement to position your skills, talents and accomplishments. This statement is placed at the beginning of your résumé and serves as your “advertisement”, an enticement to the employer to read your résumé more fully. As you write it, keep in mind what an employer may be looking for and clearly address how you will be able to meet the employer’s needs.

The process of creating a résumé is as valuable as the final product itself. Once you have reviewed your skills and accomplishments, you will be more comfortable and confident when you are making a case for yourself in interviews.

If you find yourself struggling with the résumé process, consider consulting a professional résumé writer. A professional résumé writer is trained in helping you create a powerful, employer-focused marketing of your skills.

Wishing you well as you acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments.

Georgiana Carollus, M.A. www.resumeswithspirit.com 630-654-8540


01.14.05 @ 03:18 PM CDT [link] [No Comments ]

A New (Resume and) Job for the New Year
I often talk to people who are very dissatisfied in their current jobs but express fears about trying to find a new one. Reasons given often include: "I'm waiting for the economy to improve", "My industry is not hiring", and "I'll do it next week (month, year)". I'd like to say that if you're waiting for conditions to be perfect to find a new job, most likely you'll always be waiting. For those resisting or fearful of change, conditions will never be perfect. While you're waiting for the perfect time, the perfect job for you may pass you by. Stop waiting! Write - or get help writing - your resume and move towards improving your life! One more day in a job that drains or depletes you, that robs your confidence or spirit, that downright depresses you is one more day too many. Be proactive and do what it takes to improve your life. And, if you need help, let me know at www.resumeswithspirit.com. Good luck!
Georgiana Carollus, M.A.,CPRW www.resumeswithspirit.com 630-654-8540
01.14.05 @ 12:35 PM CDT [link] [No Comments ]