Telling Your Story Through Your Resume

In today’s turbulent job market, I’ve been having numerous coaching conversations with administrative professionals seeking new opportunities. My first step is usually to ask for their resume, allowing me to review their past roles and responsibilities.

Many administrative professionals express frustration over the lack of attention from recruiters. I understand their situation, but it often becomes clear that their resumes aren’t standing out. They’re not telling a compelling story about who they are. Instead, they’re simply listing their job history, roles held, and skills.

As someone who has reviewed countless resumes, I can tell you they often read like incredibly dull books, ones I want to put down after the first page. Imagine how recruiters feel—especially when they’re reading through hundreds of resumes every day.

If you’re in the market for a new role, you need to market yourself effectively. This means sharing your story in a compelling and interesting way. It requires using powerful words that evoke emotion, especially in the qualifications or professional summary section of your resume.

For example, consider this typical summary:

Administrative professional with 13 years of experience offering diverse office skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills. Self-motivated and results-driven individual. Works well independently or as part of a team. Able to prioritize and meet deadlines without compromising quality.

Now, let’s look at a rewritten version:

I am a strategic business partner and force multiplier supporting C-Suite and CEO-level executives. I dramatically improve productivity through strong organizational skills, prioritization, and creativity. Delivering high-quality results and consistently exceeding expectations, I am a self-directed, progressive thinker who anticipates challenges and innovates solutions, remaining resilient through change and rapid growth. I’m recognized for my powerful communication skills, administrative leadership, and high emotional intelligence, allowing me to collaborate effectively.

Notice how the second summary creates a feeling about the person, sparking additional interest.

I often see resumes listing skills that are generic and expected for administrative professionals, such as:

• Calendar management

• Event planning

• Travel management

These skills are so commonplace that they’re almost taken for granted. If you’re applying for an executive assistant role, recruiters expect you to already have these abilities.

What’s missing are the accomplishments—what did you achieve in previous roles? Can those accomplishments be quantified? For instance, instead of just listing “event planning,” say:

Planned and organized an event for over 1,200 people, coming in $23K under budget.

Where have you made a difference, taken initiative, or stepped into a leadership role? What processes did you create to increase productivity for your organization or the leaders you supported?

In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial for administrative professionals to craft a compelling story that sets them apart. Your story should also highlight your ongoing professional development, any certifications you’ve earned, and community involvement, especially where you’ve taken on leadership roles or made significant contributions.

Ultimately, it’s about being proud of your career and sharing that in a way that draws people in.

If you’d like help telling your story more effectively, I offer a “Fast-track” coaching session designed just for you. Visit my website at www.debbiegross.com.

Whether you’re seeking a new role or simply updating your resume, my advice is to take a fresh look and keep it current. Every time you accomplish a goal or make an impact, add it. Tell your story in a way that excites the reader and makes them want to know more about you.