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How to Make Your Resume Sound Human
The Resume Problem
Most of us have been taught to write a resume in a horrible style we call Corporate Zombie Speak.
Who talks like that? “Results-oriented professional with a bottom-line orientation.” What does it mean? We all sound like robots when we describe ourselves that way.
You are way cooler than that!
Everything about you is unique:
• No one else has your story - or ever will• No one has the exact mix of talents
you have• No one else has your personality• You are one of a kind!
Why not show more of your human side in your resume?
It isn’t hard to make your resume sound human
Start by telling your story to someone, or writing it down.
You’ll incorporate your life and career story into your Human-Voiced Resume™!
Go through your resume with a red pen and get rid of all the Corporate Zombie Speak language:
Results-oriented professionalMotivated self-starterWorks well with all levels of staffMeets or exceeds expectationsSkilled at managing cross-functional teamsSeasoned Business Professional
These are a few examples. There are lots more!
What will you put into your resume in place of the zombie words you took out?
Take a look at Jane Banks’ BEFORE and AFTER resumes on the next two pages. Jane’s BEFORE resume makes her sound like any battle drone. The language puts a reader to sleep. None of Jane’s sparkling personality comes through!
Jane’s AFTER resume is a Human-Voiced Resume™. Notice how Jane seems to be a real person now! Jane comes alive on the page. You can write your own Human-Voiced Resume™ that lets a person reading your resume – your hiring manager, that is – know you’re human (and a smart, funny and awesome human, at that)!
JANE ELIZABETH BANKS17 Cherry Tree LaneLondon, CO 80203 (123) 234-3456 [email protected] SKILL SETS Results-oriented, self-motivated professional with strong skill sets in communication, relationship development, negotiations, customer service, operations, purchasing and marketing. Well versed and proficient in writing, communication, vendor selection, administration, policy development and implementation.
WORK SUMMARY MID-MARKET MANAGER, Chimney Sweep Industries, Los Angeles, CAFebruary 2011 – Current · Develop and maintain relationships with store operators to create and implement appropriate marketing plans· Collaborate with area-wide Operations staff to ensure proper training of
Here is the top section of Jane’s BEFORE Resume. It’s very traditional!
Let’s bring more of Jane across in her new Human-Voiced Resume™!
Here is the top section of Jane’s Human-Voiced Resume™
Jane Elizabeth Banks London, Colorado (123) 234-3456 [email protected] http://www.linkedin.com/janeelizbanks Operations ManagerI’ve been managing back-end operations for retail chains since I graduated from college in 2000. I thrive in chaotic environments where a combination of smart, nimble processes and a human touch keep the wheels turning and keep store staff and customers happy. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow and helping my colleagues succeed on the job. Experience MID-MARKET MANAGER, Chimney Sweep Industries, Los Angeles, CaliforniaFebruary 2011 – Current Chimney Sweep is a retail chain that sells and services fireplaces and home spas. We were growing at 40% a year when I joined. I wrote store processes (used at our first location and the 20 new stores that followed), trained store staff, and became the store managers’ advisor on people, training and process issues.
Now Jane’s resume sounds human!
You can put a human voice in your resume, the same way Jane did! Read Liz Ryan’s columns and follow Human Workplace on Twitter: @humanworkplace
Join Human Workplace as a member, too!
What is Human Workplace?Human Workplace is a publishing, coaching and consulting firm. Our mission is to reinvent work for people.
Our CEO and Founder, Liz Ryan, is a former Fortune 500 HR SVP and the world’s most widely-read career and workplace advisor.
