Why should you have an accomplishment-based resume and not a task-oriented resume?

-??????Evan Donaldson, Talentry

A resume is a document that summarizes your skills, education and work experience for potential employers. It is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager, so it is important to make it stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is to use an accomplishment-oriented resume style, which emphasizes your achievements and results rather than your tasks and responsibilities. In this essay, I will explain the top five reasons why a resume should be accomplishment-oriented and not task-oriented.

1. An accomplishment-oriented resume shows your value and impact. A task-oriented resume simply lists what you did in your previous roles, without showing how well you did it or how it benefited your employer. An accomplishment-oriented resume, on the other hand, showcases your achievements and outcomes, using numbers, percentages or other metrics to quantify your results. For example, instead of saying "Called alumnae for fundraising purposes", you could say "Supported the university's new gymnasium fund through strategic communications with key alumnae" 3. This shows how you contributed to a specific goal and made a difference.

2. This style of resume also demonstrates your skills and abilities. A task-oriented resume may not highlight your relevant skills and abilities for the role you are applying for, especially if you have a diverse or non-linear career path. An accomplishment-oriented resume, however, focuses on the skills and abilities you used to achieve your results, rather than the tasks you performed. For example, instead of saying "Organized recreational activities for campers", you could say "Planned and executed engaging and educational activities for 50 campers aged 6-12" 2. This shows your skills in planning, execution, communication, and education.

3. An accomplishment-oriented resume sets you apart from other candidates, while the other type may look similar to many other resumes from candidates who have similar work experience and responsibilities. A hiring manager may not be able to tell what makes you unique or qualified for the role. An accomplishment-oriented resume, however, showcases your achievements and results that are specific to you and your context. For example, instead of saying "Created plan for a restructure of the manufacturing unit", you could say "Led the restructuring plan for the manufacturing department to achieve profitability within a 12-month period" 2. This shows your leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.

4. An accomplishment-oriented resume aligns with the employer's needs and goals. A task-oriented resume may not show how you can meet the employer's needs and goals for the role you are applying for. An accomplishment-oriented resume, however, aligns your achievements and results with the employer's expectations and objectives. For example, instead of saying "Saved company money by finding ways to cut costs", you could say "Implemented new payroll and tax accounting systems that saved the firm $1 million in personnel costs over the next 10 years" 2. This shows how you can add value to the employer's bottom line and long-term vision.

5. An accomplishment-oriented resume is more engaging and interesting to read and is more likely to grab the hiring manager’s attention. A task-oriented resume may be dull and boring to read, as it does not show your personality or passion for your work (and is similar to dozens of others the manager has read that day!) An accomplishment-oriented resume, however, is more engaging and interesting to read, as it shows your enthusiasm and pride for your work. For example, instead of saying "Planned events", you could say "Organized a sold-out charity event for 300 people and raised $125,000" 2. This shows your creativity, initiative, and social responsibility.

The best resume should be accomplishment-oriented and not task-oriented because it shows your value and impact, demonstrates your skills and abilities, sets you apart from other candidates, aligns with the employer's needs and goals, and is more engaging and interesting to read. By using an accomplishment-oriented resume style, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and landing your dream job.

The answer: To stand out in the crowd.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/24/2023

(1) How To Write an Achievement-Based Resume (With 65 Examples). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/achievement-based-resume.

(2) Resume Accomplishments vs. Responsibilities | LiveCareer. https://www.livecareer.com/resources/resumes/basics/accomplishments-rich-resume.

(3) Resume Writing & Career Coaching Services - The Resume Fix. https://www.theresumefix.com/the-resume-fix-blogs-and-career-advice/task-oriented-resume-versus-achievement-oriented-resume-whats-the-big-deal.

(4) How to Make Your Resume ROAR (Results Oriented and Relevant) - WikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Resume-ROAR-(Results-Oriented-and-Relevant).

(5) results oriented and relevant Examples - Colorado Christian University. https://www.ccu.edu/employment-management-services/documents/result-oriented-resume-examples.pdf.