There is an old adage about writing that goes something like “show, don’t tell.” The idea is that good writing shows what the author wants to communicate, and through showing lets the point communicate itself. Bad writing tells the reader things, too. Writing resumes is the same way.
You don’t want to say what you are. That is telling. You want to talk about the impact you had, which is showing. There’s a big difference.
Anyone Can Say Anything
I can tell you I’m a detail oriented person. I can tell you I’m a results oriented, high energy multi-tasker. But does that make it true? It doesn’t matter, because if you read resumes all day these kind of clichéd terms lose their meanings. Anyone can SAY they are anything. But demonstrating these qualities is what makes an effective resume.
Imagine you were reading an online dating profile (imagine, because of course you never would) and someone said they were intelligent and sweet. Do you believe them? Possibly. But what if they said they were reading their way through all the Russian novelists and they volunteered ten hours a week at a homeless shelter? For puppies? Suddenly you find yourself believing they are intelligent and sweet, even though they never actually said it.
Check out the FULL blog post to learn more about how to make a great first impression!
This blog was originally published on The Savvy Intern
