This article appeared originally in the Chicago Tribune

Resume restructuring: plug in accomplishments . . .

©2003 Judith Stock

Know this: Your resume has five seconds to capture an employer's attention.

It's one of hundreds that arrive for each job posting. Does it stack up?

Most people agree resumes are necessary but unless you can be objective about your resume, it'll be tossed into the recycling bin with the rest of the throwaways.

Myths abound on the subject of resume writing.

Debra Chomicka, director, Career Education Center, Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI said that during her 16 years as a career counselor, the number one mistake she's seen people make is they confuse a resume with a job description.

"A hiring manager or human resource professional is not interested in what you were supposed to do," said Chomicka. "They're interested in what you accomplished with the opportunities you were presented on the job. Showing growth is key."

Nix the word "responsible" from your resume. "Being responsible for something and actually accomplishing it are very different," said Chomicka. "Ask anyone who has raised children."

Tess Nyka, assistant director, Career Center, DePaul University said accomplishments should reflect specific skills an employer is seeking in relationship to a particular position. "Accomplishment driven resumes can help distinguish you from other candidates in today's competitive job market."

A generic resume that only lists your responsibilities is a mistake, since employers may have difficulty connecting the job candidate with the position's duties.

Ideas to revive your resume:

1) Use action verbs to describe accomplishments: designed, led, planned, created.

2) Hiring managers look for results. Highlight your successes in the form of increased sales, time, or cost reductions.

3) How did you stand out from the crowd? How did your group participation make a positive difference? What were the situations where you conceived strategies?

4) Use specific words but avoid wordy descriptions. When describing your accomplishments, generalities don't cut it. Example: What software did you use to design the flyer? What was the effect of the flyer on generating interest from the targeted audience? How many participants did you recruit? Exceed expectations?

5) For each skill, think of a solid example. Example: Developed strong managerial skills through training. Successfully supervised five staff members. (skill developed: managing personnel. Accomplishment: successfully trained and supervised staff).

Avoid that resume recycle bin. Do your homework and make it easy for employers to hire you. With some careful thought and planning, you can put the spotlight on your accomplishments.