September 16th, 2010 | Category: Guest Articles, Resume |

Are You Shooting “PAR” on the Resume Course?

Shooting PAR on a golf course is tough! Shooting “PAR” with your resume is easy if you know the P-A-R formula. Here’s a specific strategy that will impress any hiring manager and benefit you in a BIG way.

P = PROBLEM

A = ACTION

R = RESULT

When writing about your experience at your previous place of employment, state the PROBLEM you encountered, the ACTION you took to resolve the conflict, and the RESULT that occurred because of what you did. Use clear, focused wording and be brief so the hiring manager can take it in with a sweep of the eye.

Example #1:

I faced a disorganized, poorly managed warehouse (PROBLEM) when I went to work for XYZ Enterprises. Within six months I transformed the place into a smooth-running operation by limiting stock orders according to projected sales, letting go of three unreliable part-time employees, and automating an obsolete system of tracking sales and deliveries (ACTION), which brought about a savings for the company of $200,000 the first year (RESULT).

Example #2:

I inherited an engineering company’s outdated filing system (PROBLEM) and resolved the issues it created by introducing and training employees in the use of a simple but sophisticated functional-coding system (ACTION), which helped recover valuable, previously misplaced or lost project records, bringing about a smooth, error-free solution to a major flaw in the company’s operation. (RESULT)

Keep It Clear and Concise

Hit P-A-R each time you draft a resume by stating the Problem you faced, the Action you took, and the Result you achieved in your previous job. Such clear and concise writing will surely convince any hiring manager that you can do the same in the new position.

Remember, every company faces PROBLEMS and they are looking for their employees to take ACTION that produces bottom line RESULTS

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, “Amazing Resume Creator.” Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

Visit our friends at Amazing Resume Creator for your “instant” resume today. “In just 10 minutes flat you will have an amazing resume guaranteed to land you more hot job interviews next week.