How to articulate your story on your resume

Wouldn't you agree that there is more about you than what people read on your resume?  As a recruiter I hear from candidates, "If I can only get them in front of a prospective employer then I know I can get the job". Unfortunately, if your resume is not an inclusive representation of who you are aside from being a fit for the role you are applying for, but as an individual, you may not even get the chance to get up to bat. However, when you do get that chance you must be ready to tell 'your story'.  When I refer to 'your story' , I'm looking for a well articulated and logical explanation of not only what college you graduated from and what companies you worked for but the important details that make you  a unique candidate. What are the things in your background, not only professionally but personally, that people are interested in hearing about?  The most challenging piece of this is that most job seekers do not know what those details are that complete their story. 

If your GPA was 3.0 or better, it is worth putting on your resume.  Be sure to include clubs, organizations, sports, and any study abroad experience.  In addition, if you received any type of rewards or recognition while in college that is also very important to note.  Most people do not indicate if they worked and self financed their education.  Again, very important. All of this information begins to tell the reader who you were, not only as a student, but who you are as a person. It starts to paint a picture of your character. 

 

 

Another key component of your story is being able to articulate why you went to each job and why you left.  Was there a particular interest with a company or industry because of a personal experience or individual in your life that drew you towards it?  If there was share it. How well did you perform in each of your jobs relative to expectations?  An interview is not the time to be humble.  Be proud of your accomplishments and share them with confidence.   Don't be afraid to share the human side of you during an interview.  You want to get the interviewer to buy into you emotionally. 

 

The interview is your time in the spotlight.  It is your time to shine and show your prospective employer that you are the right person for the job.  Think through your resume and identify the selling points about you and create 'your story' that will captivate your audience.