How To Write A Captivating Résumé For A Boring Job - CareerEnlightenment.com

Focus On Results.There’s nothing boring about contributing to commercial success.As companies restructure to become leaner and more efficient, every single role plays some part in driving top and bottom line success even “boring” functions that aren’t typically associated with revenue and profitability.Take time to define the exact role you play in the success of the business, be it boosting customer satisfaction, realising cost savings, or some other industry- or function-specific KPI.Get to the heart of it by asking yourself what you were hired to do, how you delivered on that mandate, and the value that was created (or loss prevented) as a result.Consider this example for a Proofreader at a marketing agency:Prevented $15,000 in potential losses and preserved agency credibility with a marquis client by identifying and correcting an embarrassing error prior to printing.Focus On Personality.At the outset of a search, the best recruiters take the time to consider the personal ity traits of their ideal candidate: the innate characteristics that would allow someone to thrive in the role, industry, team or company culture.If you’re concerned your experience is coming across as flat, uninspiring, or boring, inject interest by strategically highlighting the traits and characteristics you possess that are also highly valued in your function.Take a hotel housekeeper, for example.As a recruiter, I’d look for someone equally comfortable behind the scenes as they are with customers, intrinsically motivated to hit targets, detail oriented, and comfortable dealing with repetitive (and sometimes disgusting) tasks every day.Now take this introductory sentence, written for a Housekeeper ready to step into a supervisor role. Note how far personality and professional storytelling go in elevating this typically boring job:A professional Housekeeper with more than 5 years’ experience delighting guests at one of Sydney’s most luxurious hotel properties, I enjoy seei ng the results of my efforts, competing against personal bests to deliver exceptional housekeeping services in the most efficient way possible. Key Points To Remember:At the end of the day, the key to presenting boring jobs on your résumé is all about knowing where to focus your efforts. And for that, you really need a strong personal brand.A well-defined personal brand acts like a compass which points you in the right direction, and helps you decide what to share, what to downplay, and what key messages to focus on.Have you had success using any of my tried and tested tips for making boring jobs pop on your resume? Let me know in comments below.