Contributed by:

Tracy L. LubeDELIVERING A POWERFUL SUMMARY

ALL ENCOMPASSING RESUMESegment 1

1. Introduction

2. Summary Inclusions

3. Where To Start

4. Proofread

5. Final Thoughts

6. Make A Difference

7. Hire Our Heroes

Unfortunately, most resumes waste their most valuable real estate on half-hearted no-value summary statements. This is the most important aspect and the first thing potential employers see on your resume!

This is the opportunity to effectively brand yourself setting the tone for the rest of your resume.

Developing a powerful, unique story about yourself summarized into one paragraph takes due diligence on your part.

Capture the perfect brand of yourself!

1. Quantify Your Achievements

Add specific numbers to demonstrate job accomplishments. Numbers stand out to recruiters.

Examples:

• Reduced the processing of Maintenance Response Teams (MRT’s) and Equipment by 50% for forward deployments through establishing new guidelines for the AFI (Air Force Instruction) 21-101 Aircraft and Equipment Maintenance Management.

• Increased accurate data by 25% with an improved Sequence of Events log.

• Improved inspection time by 30% performing flight line maintenance duties, operational checks, and inspections.

• Analyzed and developed an automated Aircraft Tracking Program and identified process fault trends within one weeks time, increasing mission success rates.

Additional examples of quantifying your achievements can be found here:

Sample Resume Achievement Statements

Resume Genius (Number 2 & 3)

2. Provide Impact

Use Power words, avoid cliché words. Power words can include spearheaded, expedited, integrated etc..

See the following links for a majority list of powerful words to use:

185 Powerful Verbs

Top Resume Words

3. Deliver Unique

Tell Your Story!

Stories bring insight and impact. You want to deliver a compelling a story in a succinct paragraph to draw in the recruiter/hiring manager.

Provide Value!

Here is a link to a helpful Workshop for Story Telling

4. Position Yourself

Position yourself distinctively for each opportunity: customize, customize, customize. VERY important that each summary is customized to the job announcement.

Identify your transferable skills and how they are applicable to the job description. However this does not mean embellish or lie on your resume.

Transferable skills examples: Collaboration, leadership, negotiation, project management, team building, contingency planner, conflict resolution, measurement and tracking, research, competitive analysis, instructing, delegating, and facilitating.

Brainstorm Your Career Story: What do you want potential employers to know about you and your professional skills? Brainstorm a main message, building the foundation, the core of your story. Jot down some notes about your career, industries worked, and type of work performed.

For example: “I am an accomplished professional who has taken quite the journey and worn many hats from military experience, educator, to marketing communications. You name it – I’ve accomplished it.”

Develop a Strong Introduction: Include your level of expertise, what you do, and who you are. This should include a few of those “power words” to support your statement.

For example: “A results driven strategic communications expert with 10+ years of diverse experience in marketing and content development for a wide variety of industries.”

Strengths and Core Capabilities: Discuss your most relevant strengths to the job you are applying for. Make a list of strengths you have to help develop your statement.

For example: “Offering a unique combination of strategic planning and analytical skills to create cost-saving marketing strategies and sustainable results.”

Transferrable and Additional Skills: Discuss additional attributes you can contribute that will set you apart from the competition.

For example: “Supplementary experience includes print production, mentoring and training, content development, and Six Sigma philosophy obtained from positions in government, education, advertising, and marketing.”

Tie it Together: Pull all of your elements together into one succinct summary paragraph. Tweak as necessary. Read it out loud, proofread, and have someone else review as well. Interchange action verbs and adjectives where needed.

For example: “A 12 year Veteran of the Air National Guard, achieving 100% sustainable results, through out that time maintaining a civilian career as a results driven strategic communications expert with 10+ years of diverse experience in marketing and content development for a wide variety of industries. Offering a unique combination of strategic planning and analytical skills to create cost-saving marketing strategies and optimizing performance. Supplementary experience includes print production, mentoring and training, content development, and Six Sigma philosophy obtained from positions in government, education, advertising, and marketing.”

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!!!

Check spelling and grammar

Check it AGAIN

Have a friend or family member review, the more eyes the better

Proofreading Tips

Read it out loud

Print it out and edit on paper

Read it backwards starting with the last sentence.

Standing out in a crowd of hundreds takes creative thinking and writing. Dedicate a certain amount of time each day to crafting your unique story.

You will be amazed with the results!

The examples provided were taken from my personal resume after multiple revisions and rewrites and lots of scribbled notes.

Resume Segment 2 and 3 to follow to complete the all-encompassing resume.

Hire Our Heroes (HOH) is a registered 501(c)(3) (Tax ID# 46-3027051) not-for-profit committed to honoring and serving our nation’s defenders and veterans.

When you make a donation, we value the trust you’ve placed in us. Our mission is to do good whether through performance, mentoring and coaching veterans, rehabilitation services, or providing awareness campaigns for vets transitioning from the battlefield to the civilian workforce.

Hire Our Heroes is committed to helping our returning service members find rewarding careers nationwide with companies sharing our dedication to assisting these deserving men and women. The transition assistance services provided by Hire Our Heroes are carried out so that there is no cost to veterans.

The services provided by HOH are possible only with the continued and generous contributions of compassionate individuals and corporate supporters. All contributions are vital to our continued success. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude and our assurance that 100% of all donations will provide much needed support to our returning service members. Your contributions directly affect Hire Our Heroes’ ability to effectively sponsor all aspects of the veteran’s employment search.

GIVE A GIFT

The mission of Hire Our Heroes (HOH) is to empower veterans and employers with the knowledge, skills, and innovative tools necessary to optimize a strategic workforce.

Hire Our Heroes (HOH) is a not-for-profit organization founded by veterans for veterans. We partner with world-class organizations and people who share in our vision to offer veterans a cost-free, best-in-class, transition experience. HOH secures opportunities for employment where our veteran population can cultivate their talents, traits, and attitudes.

See more at: Hire Our Heroes