Make Resume Accomplishments Measurable Whenever Possible

By Katharine


This post is part of a series of excerpts from ExecuNet’s report, Making Your Résumé Recruiter Ready By ExecuNet contributing editor Marji McClure. You can download a free copy by going  here.

To ensure your place on the candidate slate, those accomplish-ments have to demonstrate the value you provided your previous employers in measurable terms. Recruiters say they don’t want to read a general listing of your job responsibilities. They want to see: metrics, quantifiable results, quantitative information, and true accomplishments
“A good résumé will show what you know, what you did and how those things translate into value to the organization,” says Topus. “You have to show the outcome, how you made a difference.”
Metrics are perhaps the most effective way to highlight successes and attract the attention of recruiters. “Metrics is the language of business,” says executive branding expert David Topus. “Anything that’s measurable and has metrics associated with it is high impact.” Among the metrics executives should try to include in their résumés:

• Increase in revenues
• Increase in market share
• Increase in profitability
• Increase in shareholder value

Job seekers really need to “understand how to quantify and monetize accomplishments in each role. ‘Show us the money,’ ” says one recruiter.
“A résumé today has to be more than a descriptive document. It has to sell you,” says Topus. “A descriptive document doesn’t really create enthusiasm in the reader’s mind. But a document that sells you has a different impact. They’re eager to meet you. They feel lucky to have you in for an interview.”

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