Job Search and Resume Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Experience by Describing it Well

Let's face it, few people can truthfully say they've founded a multi-million-dollar business success, saved a company from certain bankruptcy, or created the product that built an empire. Or anything close for that matter. Indeed, most people don't feel like they've really done much in their career. And that perception gets their job search off to a slow start.

But the truth of the matter is that most people have done a lot more in their career than they realize. They've simply forgotten the details and don't give themselves enough credit. It's largely a matter of thinking of the tiny victories in your career and characterizing them well on your resume.

Describing Your Experience More Effectively on Your Resume

First of all, think of yourself as a professional. If you can't, how can you expect others to? Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about embellishing your work and accomplishments to the point of absurdity. We've all chuckled at such euphemisms like calling a garbage man a "Sanitation Engineer." It's a ridiculous stretch, and that's what makes it so funny. But for most positions there's plenty of room to spruce up a job's title and accomplishments without getting into the realm of ridiculousness. Here's how to put some luster on what you've done and shift your job search into a higher gear.

Take It Seriously
Don't shrug your shoulders at what you've done, no matter how elementary your job is. Sure, a lot of things we do in our work are standard "part-of-the-job" stuff. But think about it as if someone were shopping for a car. Is it really exciting that a car drives down the road without making a lot of noise? No. It's kind of a given. But if you were looking to buy a comfortable car, wouldn't you want the quietest one possible? It's the same with jobs. A manager who's looking for a file clerk isn't getting excited about that position. But he sure as heck wants a good, efficient, timely, organized, responsible file clerk. Think of why you're the best file clerk he's ever going to find and concentrate on proving that fact on your resume.