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 |
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Tasks-based statements |
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Skills-based, impact statements |
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Method for Developing Skills-Based Impact Statements
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- Identify the task that was performed: _______________________________________________
(Examples: prepared specimens for testing; ran cash register)
- Identify the task that was performed: _______________________________________________
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- Identify the skills that were used to complete the task:__________________________________
(Examples: planning and procedure development; customer service)
- Identify the skills that were used to complete the task:__________________________________
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- 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)
- Identify the positive impact of the task that emphasizes the successful performance of your skills: __________________________________________________
- 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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Action Verbs