Developing Skills-Based Work Impact Statements

Using skills-based work statements rather than activity- or task-based statements improves the effectiveness of a resume.  The difference between these types of statements is illustrated below, along with a method for developing skills-based statements

Activity-based statement

Served as a testing intern

Tasks-based statements

Prepared specimens for testing. Tested the compression strength of concrete samples. Documented test results. Attended group meetings.

Skills-based, impact statements

Developed an efficient procedure that reduced test specimen preparation time by ten percent. Followed industry standard practices to test the compression strength of concrete and obtain accurate and repeatable data. Analyzed test data and organized results in an easy to interpret report. Participated in team meetings by contributing ideas and reporting on progress.

Method for Developing Skills-based, impact statements

1. Identify the task that was performed: _______________________________________________
   (Examples: prepared specimens for testing; ran cash register)
   

 

2. Identify the skills that were used to complete the task:__________________________________
   (Examples: planning and procedure development; customer service)
   

 

3. Identify the positive impact of the task that emphasizes the successful performance of your skills: __________________________________________________
   (Examples: prep time was cut by ten percent; encouraged repeat business)
   

 

4. Develop a statement that highlights one or two of the skills you used while telling what was done and the impact it had: _______________________________________________________
   (Examples: Developed an efficient procedure that reduced test specimen preparation time by ten percent; Provided efficient and friendly customer service to encourage repeat business)

Develop your statement to highlight as many of your valuable skills as possible.  A skill can be highlighted more than once but it is better to highlight different skills.

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