Title: Accomplishments-quantified or not-play vital role

Content:

Dear Sam: Thanks for your helpful, practical insights about résumés and job hunting. Would you please address the matter of quantifiers? Certainly it is valuable if one can present documented value by quantifying achievements (such as growth in sales or reduction in expenses), but what about those of us who don't have that kind of achievement to document? Perhaps you could identify quantifiable events we haven't thought of or alternatives if our work doesn't produce documented metrics. - Duane

Dear Duane: That's an excellent question, and one I field quite often when candidates find it difficult to discern their own value via quantified achievements. While it is great to have quantifiable accomplishments on a résumé, I understand that sometimes it just isn't possible. Whether it is because the quantifiers are not impressive and wouldn't position one correctly for the opportunities they were pursuing, or if as you suggested, the company simply doesn't document such metrics, there are often times when adding quantifiers is not possible. Typically however, one can add achievements to their résumé of a more qualitative nature.

Let me give you some examples of great achievements that are not quantified:

. Motivated and mentored cross-functional team members to hold accountability for performance goals, support clients and peers, and model a sense of empowerment to exceed service objectives.

. Selected to serve as one of three trainers facilitating field training for new sales associates, introducing company processes, systems, products, and sales and marketing methodologies.

. Noted as a competent project leader and asked by several departments to assist with special initiatives based on extensive knowledge of accounting, consumer fraud, and customer service.

. Enhanced effectiveness by organizing information, tracking cases, fielding client concerns, and supporting legal proceedings within personal injury, contract, entertainment, and sports law arenas.

While none of these achievements are quantified, they still present where the candidate went above and beyond and added value to the organization.

Try perusing old performance reviews to jog your memory as to where you have gone above and beyond, ask your friends and family if they remember times you came home from work particularly excited about a project or task you had accomplished, or even ask your references to discuss areas in which they felt you excelled. Sometimes it takes those around us to tell us what we do best! Use this insight to guide the development of the accomplishments on your résumé and remember, quantifiers are nice but accomplishments can be just as effective without numbers.

Dear Sam: I have been considering placing my picture on my résumé. I think that seeing a person instead of just a list of qualifications, would generate additional interest. Is this a common practice and something that you think would be a wise idea? - James

Dear James: No, placing a headshot on a résumé is not a common practice and should be avoided unless there is a specific reason the employer needs to see what you look like. Using your image really won't generate additional interest in your résumé; instead the hiring manager will wonder why you included your picture, possibly even thinking it was a little self-serving. The only times I have used a headshot on a résumé has been for clients in a particularly creative field (such as a musician or artist), an industry where your image plays a key role in your success (such as a dancer, model, or even an assistant in a cosmetic surgery office where image was stressed as vitally important), or for C-level executives or outside sales managers that have a recognizable name and face. Take a look at the example I have presented this week which illustrates how you can use symbology to reinforce who you are as a candidate. You might take this approach if you really want a visual aspect to your résumé while avoiding the headshot option. Most candidates however should stick to using their education, skills, and accomplishments to garner a hiring manager's interest.

Image quote: Through incorporation of color, imagery, and a "mission statement" this candidate is positioned for her field of interest, supported by a plethora of accomplishments, most of which are not quantified.

-------------------------------------------

Do you have a question for Dear Sam? Write to dearsam@semissourian.com. Samantha Nolan owns Ladybug Design, a résumé writing and interview coaching firm. For more information, call (888) 9-LADYBUG (888-952-3928) or visit www.ladybug-design.com.

-----------------------

[pic]