Page 153 - Marky Stein - Fearless Career Change_ The Fast Track to Success in a New Field (2004)

The Accelerated Job Search

had accomplished it at a paying job. For example, a com-
puter networking professional just out of a certification class
can still say, “Handled networking protocols for TCP/IP and
wireless function on Linux and Solaris platforms.” If you
can, make your accomplishment into a Q statement (that is,
an assertion that is quantified) like, “Built seven custom
homes within a nine month period managing a crew of 12
construction workers.”
3. Introduce your past educational background, if it applies to
the job you’re seeking, in the third sentence, and in the
fourth, note your short-term education, strategic educa-
tion, or other strategies. A great way to describe a training
program that’s not yet finished or just getting underway is
“currently enrolled in a course of study leading to . . .” or
“currently completing a degree in _______.”
4. Last, you can list some of the personal strengths (not skills)
that you bring to the table. Personal strengths are things
like dependability, flexibility, and the ability to work well
under pressure.

After reviewing the summary statements, write one for yourself
using the following summary statement template. Fill in the blanks
on the template and leave out the italicized words.
After you finish your statement, ask yourself (or maybe some-
one else!) these questions:

• Does my summary statement read like a “mini-résumé”?
• Does the summary grab the reader’s attention and make a
powerful impact?

Turn Your Accomplishments into Q Statements

Q statements (an abbreviation for quantified statements) use quan-
tifiable terms—numbers, percentages, amounts of time or things,
and, occasionally, rating scales—to present your accomplishments
in concrete, measureable ways. Here are some examples of Q state-
ments:

• Decreased waste by 20 percent, resulting in an overall savings
of $1.2 million a year.

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