The One Question Your Resume Must Answer

I found this article by Joe Turner very interesting. He says "Hiring managers are looking for one element that will make them stand up and take notice of a candidate. That one element is a strong benefit to the employer. When you provide an employer benefit, you speak their language. They want to know more. Unfortunately, too many resumes lack this." 

Yes, we are told to talk about ourselves when we write a resume but the "how-to" is definite noticed in the example that Joe outlines below.

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Two Approaches

Here is an example. Suppose you have the skill: "Excellent oral and written communication skills."

How can we answer the question, "So What?" in the mind of the employer?

Here's how: Offer an example of how you've used these skills in your job to the benefit of your employer by writing an employer benefit bullet like this:

"Wrote and presented successful training program for 155 company new-hires, resulting in measurable gains in company's inventory efficiency over 12 month period."

The first example statement is a cliche. The second statement leaves no room for doubt: This candidate can communicate orally (in front of a group, no less) and in writing.

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His article is a great eye opener for those who would want to tweak their resume for far better results in the work place.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

Here is the article in its entirety 

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_one_question_your_resume_must_answer-477