If you are looking for one way to improve your resume in one shot, here it is. Quantify your accomplishments. Not exaggerating. This is a guaranteed way to improve your resume instantly. It will add substance to a dull resume, and add validity to your claims
But what do we mean by quantifying? It means using facts and figures to define your achievements.
But why quantify?
Numbers add meaning to your statements – they are clear, concise, and eliminate subjective interpretation. People respond to numbers – they can relate to it – it makes your resume more accessible, understandable.
Example 1:
Statement A: Supported Global Business development and direct sales, and contributed substantially to the total direct sales generated in the current quarter.
Statement B: Supported Global Business development and direct sales of over USD 100 Million, and personally contributed 45% of the total direct sales generated in the current quarter.
Example 2:
Statement A: Developed a new debugging tool that significantly reduced the time taken for bug-fixing.
Statement B: Developed a new debugging tool that decreased the average bug-fixing time by 65% and hence increased employee productivity by 30%
Example 3:
Statement A: Won the Key Contributor Award for the year 2010
Statement B: Was selected from among 520 employees for the Key Contributor Award for the year 2010
Statements A tell, but Statements B show. And you can judge for yourself which one grabs your attention and impresses you more.
Here are a few terms that can be quantified
- Money – saved or earned.
- Time – efficiency, productivity
- Amounts – Sales, customers, projects, products
- Situations – intense competition, working under pressures, difficult work conditions.
The above list is by no means complete – you are the best judge of what you can quantify, and how. Here is a link that can guide you on this.
If you do not know the numbers, make an educated estimate. Calculate, analyze, and arrive at reasonable numbers. Avoid inflating the figures – it will get you nowhere. You should be able to justify your estimate, so make sure that the numbers you arrive at are fairly accurate.
A Warning: Avoid quantifying all your statements – it will look contrived, as if you are trying too hard. Quantifying the most important achievements is usually enough.
A Tip: If you are thinking that you should've been paying more attention to the figures and numbers that quantified your work-related achievements in your job so far, you are absolutely right. But do not despair. For now, estimate the numbers. But for the future, start now. Be mindful about your activities on the job, note down the numbers, so that the next time you need to make yourself a resume, you will have all the facts and figures on your fingertips!
The advantage your resume gains by quantifying your accomplishments cannot be asserted enough. So give that resume a boost now!
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