However, your resume isn’t just a list of what you did when. Rather, it’s your most valuable tool in landing an interview—a “sales pitch” for your candidacy. Thus, the experience section needs to highlight your best qualifications for the job for which you’re applying.
How to Make Your Resume Sound Better
You can write job descriptions that will make your work history sound better, get past the applicant tracking system, and impress the hiring manager. Even if you had a boring job, you can focus on your best skills and highlight them on your resume. Review these tips for improving your resume job descriptions, as well as a “before and after” version of a revised position description.
Tips for Writing Your Resume Job Descriptions
An Example of a Revised Job Description
Here’s a “before and after” version of a job description, written to highlight the candidate’s best attributes for the job. Before: I was responsible for website design and development for a variety of clients. I oversaw data optimization, product uploads, and product management, and diagnosed and repaired product issues. My responsibilities included implementing and managing projects from design through launch. I managed search engine marketing, SEO, and online advertising for several clients including strategizing solutions for optimizing visibility. After: Created, developed, launched, and managed websites for a variety of clients with an emphasis on state-of-the-art, responsive, and user-focused designs. Implemented data, product, and design enhancements. Managed search engine optimization and marketing and monitored site statistics to optimize visibility.
Increased search engine traffic by 25%, pages per session by 18%, and doubled site revenue over the past year.Trained and mentored 5 new team members in effective client relations strategies.Implemented enhancements to employer’s website that increased client list by 45% between FY 2020 and FY2021.
What to Include in the Revised Description
Do you see the difference? By using active verbs and tangible bulleted achievements, the “after” example delivers a more persuasive argument for the candidate’s suitability for the job.
