Page 123 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Chapter 7 ➤ Step Two: Knock ’Em Off Their Feet

4. What credentials do you have that are important for this job? ______________________

Example: A fashion buyer looking for a position as a graphic designer might write,
“My college degree was in design.”
Summary statement: Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis on design.
Example: A geology teacher seeking a position at a community college in California
might write, “I have a Lifetime California Community College Teaching Credential in
Earth Science.”
Summary statement: California Community College Teaching Credential, Earth
Science, Lifetime.
5. What is it about your personality that makes this job a good fit for you? ____________

Example: A customer-service representative staying in the same field might write, “I
am very diplomatic, so I get good results.”

Summary statement: Outstanding diplomacy that consistently produces win-win
results for customers and the company.
Example: An architect applying for a post in a professional organization could write,
“I have natural problem-solving skills that lead to good solutions.”
Summary statement: Natural problem-solving skills that create both practical and
agreeable solutions.
6. What personal commitments or passions do you have that would be valued by the
employer? ______________________________________________________________________
Example: Someone wanting to lead an environmental organization could write, “I am
committed to educating people about industrial-waste hazards that are endangering
the environment.”
Summary statement: Strong commitment to preserving nature through education
about hazards to the environment.
Example: A psychologist going for a job in human resources might say, “I like to help
others achieve their potential through evaluation of their personal skills.”
Summary statement: Dedicated to maximizing others’ potential through careful
assessment and acknowledgment of their personal skills.

7. What other experience do you have that will be a bonus to the employer? __________
Example: A new graduate seeking her first job as a nurse could write, “I volunteered
in a medium-sized clinic.”
Summary statement: Volunteer experience in a clinic with an interdisciplinary staff
of 12.
Example: Someone trying for a position on the mayor’s administrative staff might
mention, “My family includes three generations of political professionals, so I’m used
to debating controversial issues.”
Summary statement: Developed talent for debating controversial issues as a member
of a family with three generations of political professionals.

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