(P = Passive, A = Active, R = Active/Results) 

Example #1

• P: Duties included working with small children.
• A: Created and implemented personal safety program. 
• R: Created and implemented personal safety program for small children, resulting in statewide recognition by PTA.

Example #2

• P: Experience in teaching sign language.
• A: Advertised and instructed sign language lessons.
• R: Advertised and instructed sign language lessons to all ages, culminating in establishment of regional association.

Example #3

• P: Duties included organizing office training.
• A: Coordinated and supervised monthly office in-service. 
• R: Coordinated and supervised monthly office in-service, increasing opportunities for cross-training between three departments.

Example #4

• P: Responsibilities included supervising high school debate team.
• A: Organized, administered and evaluated debate team activities for forty-three students. 
• R: Organized, administered and evaluated debate team activities for forty-three students, winning bid for host school at district meet..

As you polish your resume, envision a "circular sentence,"which begins with a basic statement and as it circles around towards closure, becomes progressively more effective!

1. Chaired a committee... 
2. Chaired a promotional committee...
3. Chaired a successful promotional committee...
4. Chaired a successful promotional committee that resulted in a 30% increase in ticket sales.

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Scannable Resume

Information excerpted from: Scannable Resumes by ECLECON Corporation, P.O. Box 347, Bountiful, UT 84010)

A scannable resume is one that an optical scanner can read easily and accurately. When an employer conducts a search of all the resumes that have been scanned and stored in the computer, only those applicants whose resumes demonstrate the needed skills will be retrieved for further review.

Scannable resumes are quite similar to other resumes; however, there are differences that allow the scanner to distinguish certain key areas.  

The three basic differences include: 

1. No frills - scannable resumes are very plain and simple, meaning limited boldface, no italic or script text, limited use of horizontal and vertical lines, no underlining, no special graphics or pictures, and no highlighting or shading. Avoiding these features helps eliminate confusion for the optical scanner.
2. Changes in standard resume procedures -- certain fonts are now better than others, the use of jargon and abbreviations should now be emphasized rather than avoided, resumes should not be folded or stapled, telephone area codes should not be placed in brackets or parentheses.
3. Use of keywords - one of the most important differences is that nouns in the form of "keywords" deserve far more attention than the action verbs which, in the past, were so significant. Now, computers search or scan resumes for keywords, not verbs, in an effort to identify which candidate has the background and experience that fits best with the job requirements.

Keywords (for which the computer is scanning) can be utilized in three ways

1. Writing a keyword summary - develop a section with the heading "Keyword Summary" immediately following your contact data. Include 15-20 keywords which are related to your background and experience.
2. Adding keywords to the body of your resume - you can include additional keywords in the descriptions or bodies of your resume. Use a synonym of the keyword if you have used it previously.
3. Including keywords in you cover letter- most cover letters will be scanned along with the resume so take advantage of this opportunity to place additional keywords that your resume may not contain.

Are you in need of ideas for additional keywords? Try the following resources:

Classified Ads, Job Postings, On-Line Job Ads, Job Descriptions Trade Journals, Technical Publications, Professional Associations Employer Databases, Professionals in the Field, Human Resources Representatives

Some job seekers will benefit from the changes brought about by scannable resumes. Those who will benefit will be the job seekers that already have solid backgrounds and significant amounts of work experience. They will be able to list a large number of keywords on their resumes. If you are not one of these job seekers, do no despair, there are several strategies you can apply which will increase your chances for success:

1. Rely more heavily on your networking skills - this will help you located job leads before they are publicly announced.
2. Make as many personal contacts as possible - rather than just sending your resume, try to talk with employers on the telephone to bring in the "personality" factor that is lacking when you simply send your resume.
3. Make them a deal - if you lack significant experience you may have to give up something in order to increase an employer's interest in you. Maybe you are willing to work for less money or start at a lower level position. If you can, offer to do an internship instead, this will increase your amount of experience.
4. Target smaller companies - many smaller companies have not adopted the scannable resume technology and will not be as selective about prior experience and qualifications.
5. Keep trying - be persistent in your efforts, work every angle, and follow up on every lead. While the movement to scanable resumes may complicate your job search somewhat, it does not mean it is an impossible task.

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Interviewing Tips

• Learn about the company.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress properly and neatly; a good appearance is important.
• Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
• Have a firm handshake.
• Use body language to show interest.
• Listen carefully.
• Think before you answer.
• Smile!
• Demonstrate knowledge of the job you are seeking.
• Put yourself on their team.
• Ask questions.
• Thank the interviewer.
• Follow up!  Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer

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