What Language Is Your Resume Speaking?

Imagine you are visiting a foreign country and you do not speak the native language. You are trying to communicate with the locals, however they can only understand about 10% of what you are saying. You finally find someone that speaks your language after 2 days. They inform you that the locals understand that you are TRYING to communicate, but your dialect is off. The same goes for your resume. Allow me to explain:

1.     What language is your resume speaking? Are you using terms that are specific to the industry that you are attempting to enter? For example, call centers monitor KPI’s, AHT’s, & FCR’s. These terms translate to Key Performance Indicators, Average Handle Time, and Fist Call Resolution. All these terms are specific to the telecommunications industry. If you use these your resume is showing that you are fluent in the industry you are trying to enter.

2.      How fluent are in you the language? This would relate to your experience and how you can express this on your resume. Are your skills entry level, mid-level, or experienced? If you are applying for a position that requires 8+ years of experience then you should show how fluent your skills are. An example of this would be “project manager for five hundred thousand dollar renovation of building”. This is a candidate that has learned the language and can read and write it as well.

These are just two pointers to help with the language of your resume. Remember: your resume speaks for you when you cannot speak for yourself. It must speak in a language that is easy to understand for everyone. You can do this! Land your dream job today and remember Slow Progress Is Better Than No Progress!