How to Show Impact on Your Resume

If you have applied to dozens of jobs and not heard back, maybe the problem is your resume. The job search can be grueling and time-consuming . A lackluster resume will cause your application to get lost in the pile.

A resume that shows the impact of your work is key. The most important part of your resume is highlighting the amazing impact you are making or have made in previous roles. This shows potential employers that you are a “make it happen” type of person, and ultimately, that you will drive company goals and revenue. You can make hiring managers stop in their tracks and immediately call you, even before they finish reading your resume.

HR expert and founder of Balangize , Lashaunique Plummer, explained that a resume that shows impact can inspire managers to put your resume at the top of the list.

What Does Impact on a Resume Look Like

Plummer encourages jobseekers to avoid lackluster bullet points on your resume that simply list previous jobs and work you’ve done. You also need to show results.

“A bullet point on your resume that doesn’t show the impact you made will quickly fall flat,” she said.

Using an impact-driven resume means spelling out what you did and the results. It looks like, “I did this,” and “because of that, something really good happened.” Any good company or manager would gladly celebrate impact and results!

Language That Shows Impact

The most important part of your resume is highlighting the amazing impact you made at every previous organization or company. Resumes that show impact use action verbs. Action verbs demonstrate to a hiring manager that you are a person who takes action, contributes, and produces optimal results.

Avoid using passive words, which can make your resume come across as mediocre or weak. This type of language won’t stand out to a hiring manager, and a hiring manager might easily perceive this resume as vague or impersonal.

Some examples of impact-first language are:

• Drove accountability for the first time
• Improved team collaboration
• Created a customer-centric approach
• Established key partnerships
• Improved outcomes with data-driven decision-making
• Successfully led a change
• Developed safety protocol
• Maintained key client relationships
• Introduced an impactful mentorship program
• Developed performance measurement system
• Created diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Introduced wellness program, boosted morale
• Achieved X% revenue growth
• Managed successful social media
• Created a new team
• Developed an effective policy change
• Turned around a difficult team dynamic

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