Concise Language Adds Punch to a Resume Interviewers quickly scan a resume in about 40 seconds to learn about a job candidate's skills, accomplishments, and attributes. Because interviewers spend such a short time reading resumes, the writing must be

direct and simple. Victor, a recent college graduate, is applying for a job and has written the following sentences in his résumé to describe his accomplishments. I was a receptionist at a doctor's family medical practice. My work included taking appointments, filing charts, answering phones, and running errands. I was a sales person at a hardware store where I worked with selling windows, doors, tools and other customer service. I eventually became a manager at the hardware store, ordering products and supplies, as well as supervised five employees. I spent two summers working at the university's admission office, showing prospective students the campus and answering phones and other clerical duties. I was a summer camp counselor with kids that have special needs. My responsibilities included handling special activities and providing daily assistance to kids as needed. Required: Rewrite Victor's work experience section of his résumé so that it is more effective.


Rewording will be direct and use action verbs to begin phrases that are shown in bulleted lists. "I" will be omitted. Locations and dates should be added.

Work Experience:

Receptionist for physician's practice, [location], [date]
* Handled appointments
* Filed patient records
* Answered telephones
* Performed other clerical duties

Salesperson for hardware store, [location], [date]
* Provided customer service
* Sold doors/windows
* Answered product questions
* Handled customer queries and complaints

Manager for hardware store, [location], [date]
* Supervised five employees
* Developed work schedules
* Managed inventory
* Placed orders
* Assisted customers

Student assistant for university admissions office, [location], [date]
* Conducted tours of campus
* Answered telephone
* Performed clerical duties

Counselor at summer camp, [location], [date]
* Supervised needs of children with special needs
* Planned and coordinated regular activities for children
* Provided assistance with routine life skills as required by each child

Business

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