Sell me - Don't Tell Me! |
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Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Resume
The problem I frequently run in to when reviewing resumes is that people want to tell me what they did versus selling it to me. Telling me makes you sound like everyone else and frankly is quite boring. Selling me on what you did makes you unique, it makes you stand out in the crowd. When writing your own resume answer this one simple question and you can’t go wrong: “What makes me different than everyone else around me?”
The problem I frequently run in to when reviewing resumes is that people want to tell me what they did versus selling it to me. Telling me makes you sound like everyone else and frankly is quite boring. Selling me on what you did makes you unique, it makes you stand out in the crowd. When writing your own resume answer this one simple question and you can’t go wrong: “What makes me different than everyone else around me?”
Think about it for a second, what makes you better than all the other people who do your same job? Are you known for your extreme client care? Did you sell the pants off the latest product or service and as a result won multiple awards? Perhaps you thought of a new idea, brought it to your boss and they liked it and it led to a promotion. All of these things are what make you different then that other guy who is trying to get the same job you want. What you have to do is sell these achievements to the employer in your resume.
Here are a few examples of selling versus telling:
Telling Me:
Participated in the development of a new personal training program.
Selling Me:
Spearheaded the development of a new personal training program leading to a 30% increase in member participation and a 10% increase in new membership each quarter for 2009.
Telling Me:
Managed membership accounts
Selling Me:
Directed the processing of over 100 new membership account setups ensuring 100% accuracy.
Pioneered a new application process increasing ease-of-use and reducing the amount of time needed to process by 25%.
Delivered a solutions-focused method for reducing the amount of membership cancellations by 15% each quarter for 2009.
See the big difference? In each selling me example you’re showing me there was a challenge, action, and result. Here is they key: Think about what makes you different then phrase that information with the following in mind; challenge, action, result.
Here are the most important points to remember:
-What makes me unique?
-Sell it, don’t tell it.
-Challenge, Action, Result.
If you use the following formula you are sure to have resume writing success!
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Comments
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Posted by: Charlotte Kern
I was an Office Manager for 2 years. I'm in complete agreement with those who express the frustration of not having quantifiable results to sell. I guess we have to get creative and view our skills in a sellable way. My college degree is in LANGUAGES for goodness sake! But there must be a way to creatively describe the talents and skills that I have acquired.
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Posted by: David
I believe a resume should be determined by the hierarchy of the position being applied for.A higher position would call for the "sell yourself" type. A lower position should do with a listing of tasks performed previously from which the recruiter should determine suitability for the same or next level position.
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Posted by: Marc Littleton
I am in total agreement, As a IT Director I have hired many people over the last 10 years. It is the ones who have sold me that got in the door. You need that WOW factor or your just another resume to me... Now it's my turn and I am searching as of today! It's time to put selling into action! Thanks Jessica!
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Posted by: Judeen Fonteno
These are some helpful tips. It take bits and pieces of adjustment to your resume to eventually get one that works. Thanks for sharing.
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Posted by: Katheryn Haverland
I totally agree with Marsha. As an Administrative Assistant, Data Entry Clerk, Quality Assurance Analyst, you have detailed work that needs to be accurately done but there is no "cost reward/savings" Such positions are overhead costs, not income genrating. Although I can help search out better companies to work with(office dupply, insurance, etc.) I can only bring it to someone else's attention. No part of decision making. There are hudreds of us to one job and no way to stand out over the internet. What are your suggestions in this group? I have been out of work for over a year now.
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Posted by: Tara
I agree with Marsha. As an administrative assistant trying to get into HR, it is very difficult to use percentages in my resume. Even more frustrating is that all HR jobs require 3 - 5 years of HR experience, no matter what your educational background is. I am working on my masters degree in HR and fear having another degree with out being able to get a decent job. How do you get your foot in the HR door?
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Posted by: Dedra
I agree with William's post on 2/2. These suggestions sound good but they are not all inclusive for every job a person may hold. Hopefully, recruiters will take that into consideration and apply that formula to specific jobs and/or industries.
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Posted by: Theresa
My problem with this article is that it is telling us to make our resume "wordy" and then another article will tell us not to make it "wordy." I have even heard of hiring managers throwing away resumes that were more than 2 pages! UGH!
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Posted by: Marsha Bradley
While I'm reading this article, I'm asking myself how can I sell being an administrative assistant? Admins don't make decisions that produce results represented in percentages. My resume opens with a brief description of my skills and how I use them effectively. So far, its gotten me nowhere! I am so frustrated.
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Posted by: Vernon Pruiett
You are right most of us forget what we are selling. We need to realize that we all have talents and experiences that we need to use to our benefit. I appreciate your suggestions and will use them.
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Posted by: Catbert the Evil HR Director
What is the difference between selling and lying? Is there one?I'd be concerned by any HR person who interviewed based on puffed-up resume. It's the same technique used car salesmen use; so, why would you want to make a long-term hiring decision based on puff? Is this why so many hiring decisions end up as disasters these days?
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Posted by: stanley yu
I was a IT recruiter before and I have worked in the IT field for last 24 years, I thought I knew the way around to get myself interviews, however, either the market is still not picking up or the screening process is running haywire or what. The appointment is not coming in. Selling statements and some pitfalls to avoid should be straightly followed, but let's face the fact why the interviews are not happening. May be the person who commented about the exact match was needed would be the perfect reason for interviews have not been making to all of us as frequent as expected. Selling statements may only help a little bit, but not much ...
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Posted by: Dee Cee Brown
Please help me to develop a resume that would sell me and win me an interview I have not had an interview in almost eleven months lots of application and faxing and emailing resumes but no results. I need your help badly.
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Posted by: christina carter
I appreciate all the pointer's I can get on resume writing and interviewing right now. The job market is very rough these days. Thanks for the advice. I will be reviewing my own resume.
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Posted by: Kevin
I am in the trades, i have noticed that perspective employers also don't liked when you embellish. They seem to be more straight forward and expect the same from you.
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Posted by: Allysia Sneed
Per Wanda's comment and question: Since you have a degree you might want to get certified as a Substitute Teacher in The Public School System. The process is fairly easy. DC Public Schools require a degree and they are in need of more Substitute Teachers. This is one job I know that you'd be able to acquire if you want it. Good luck!
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Posted by: Cristian
I'll give that a try ;)
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Posted by: LA McGee
Although the above advice to sell not tell does make sense, some of us are just worker bees that follow procedure. My former employer did not embrace thinking outside the box, nor were we allowed to spearhead anything. Nowadays, with the internet being the preferred method of communication, resumes are only as effective as the person on the other end who cares enough to look at the resumes fully. No one really wants to train anymore. Exact fits are the only thing they are looking for. We are all in serious trouble!
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Posted by: Wanda
I have tried everywhere to get a job I have not been successful, I have been without a job for at least 1yrs. What can I do to improve my resume with the experience. I have a degree but it is not getting me anywhere
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Posted by: Noreen Perrone
Thank you for the great advice!
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Posted by: Beulah Hancock
Wouldn't it be better to list these selling points in a cover letter?
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Posted by: A.Cook
Great Tips For A Tough Job Market..Any little Thing Helps....
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Posted by: Laura
To William's comment, cost savings is part of EVERY employees job - no matter which sector. Find a way to make the suggestions above fit into your selling statements. Otherwise your resume will not make it into the interview stack.
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Posted by: Shirley Meadley
Great Advice! I've changed my resume a 1000 times to fit the job criteria. It would be nice to have one that fits all, that sells ME and i at least get 1 interview out of say, maybe, 10 submissions!
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Posted by: Christopher
Bravo!As a Job Developer in Hamilton I have been advocating these ideals for the longest of time. Job seekers must remember what product they are selling an employer. Most have no idea, this works for any posting.You are a product now go and sell it.
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Posted by: Dorothy Passar
This is the best advice I have seen to date.Thank you.
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Posted by: William
These are familiar comments and suggestions. The problem that some of us have is that our jobs do not permit the type of quantification that is being suggested. This applies for example, to teaching and government work. Not all of us are in the private sector where cost reductions, sales increases, etc are the goal.
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Posted by: JEFF
OUTSTANDING!!! Read it ----- Follow it....Make it Work!!
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Posted by: Jesse Austin
This is a great way pointing out a 'selling-yourself-technique'... I'm definitely re-doing my resume!
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