SHOW YOUR UNIQUENESS
We all have a unique set of experiences that have allowed us to develop sets of skills and competencies unlike anyone else. These special skills and competencies are what often give us an edge over others who are applying for the same opportunity.
One way to highlight your unique background is to combine the academic, work, internship and co-curricular activities that are most relevant to your goal into one section of your resume. For example:
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Senior Economics Project, St. Olaf College, September 2001 - December 2001 Researched and analyzed the accounting method for intangible assets, especially human resources, and applied it in a business setting. Intern, All Star Financial, Summer 2001 Observed day to day operations of financial institution with company president. Gained knowledge in financial planning, financial analysis, research, and sales techniques. Prepared for first CFP exam. Developed financial planning model. Co-editor, Manitou Messenger, September 2000 - May 2001 Proofread and evaluated submitted articles in business section, created visually appealing layouts, collaborated with peers to brainstorm ways to strengthen paper. Assistant, St. Olaf College President's Office, September 1999 - May 2000 Assisted office personnel. Answered phones, created mailing lists and databases, responsible for office filing system.
Another way to show your unique capabilities is to combine some sort of statement of your qualifications with a chronological listing of your experience (combination resume). There are many ways to title and format this statement. Here are some examples:
PROFILE: Extensive experience in customer service to ensure friendly rapport. Excellent organizational skills and time management while working in a busy, high-pressure work environment. Strong attention to detail. Take initiative with strong sense of urgency. Committed to timely, comprehensive, and accurate completion of tasks and projects.
STRENGTHS: Strong Analytical Skills - developed through coursework in finance and logic. Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills - utilized in coursework for English major and in team assignments. Leadership Ability - held leadership roles in academic and extracurricular activities. Time Management Skills - Involvement in music, athletics, coursework and other co-curricular activities demands a strong work ethic and desire to learn.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: Possess strong social, interpersonal, communication and listening skills. Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, MS Publisher, Adobe PageMaker software and the Internet. Analytical research and writing skills enhanced due to solid background in multiple research projects. High aptitude for learning languages; fluent in German and competent in survival Thai. Effective problem solving, teamwork and prioritizing skills due to past employment experiences.
