How do you highlight your achievements and skills on a business resume?

1 Choose a professional format

The first step is to choose a resume format that suits your industry, experience, and career goals. There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. Chronological resumes list your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasizing your career progression and stability. Functional resumes focus on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history, and are suitable for career changers, gaps in employment, or entry-level candidates. Hybrid resumes combine elements of both chronological and functional resumes, highlighting both your skills and your achievements in each job.

2 Use keywords and action verbs

The second step is to use keywords and action verbs that match the job description and the employer's expectations. Keywords are specific words or phrases that describe your qualifications, skills, and achievements. They help your resume pass the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for relevance and suitability. Action verbs are strong words that show what you did, how you did it, and what results you achieved. They make your resume more dynamic and persuasive. For example, instead of saying "responsible for sales", you can say "increased sales by 25% in six months".

3 Quantify your achievements

The third step is to quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics. This adds credibility and impact to your resume, showing the value you brought to your previous or current employers. For example, instead of saying "managed a team of 10", you can say "led a team of 10 to exceed sales targets by 15%". Quantifying your achievements also helps you differentiate yourself from other candidates who may have similar skills or responsibilities.

4 Highlight your relevant skills

The fourth step is to highlight your relevant skills that match the job requirements and the employer's needs. Skills are the abilities and knowledge that you have acquired through education, training, or experience. They can be divided into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical or specific skills that are related to your field or industry, such as accounting, coding, or graphic design. Soft skills are interpersonal or transferable skills that are applicable to any job, such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving. You can list your skills in a separate section on your resume, or incorporate them into your work history or summary statement.

5 Write a powerful summary statement

The fifth step is to write a powerful summary statement that captures your main selling points and motivates the employer to read the rest of your resume. A summary statement is a brief introduction that summarizes your value proposition, your career goals, and your key qualifications. It should be tailored to the specific position and employer you are applying for, and include keywords and achievements that demonstrate your fit. A summary statement should be no longer than four sentences, and should answer the question: why should the employer hire you?

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?