Ex-Microsoft HR Exec Reveals Two Game-Changing Resume Tips

In the competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft HR director and executive coach, shares two resume tips that can make your application more interesting and effective. By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

1. Be specific and highlight impact

Nawaz emphasizes the importance of being specific about your accomplishments and highlighting the impact you made in your previous roles. Instead of using generic statements like "I facilitated lots of things," she advises candidates to focus on the details of their work and the results they achieved.

For example, instead of saying "I facilitated lots of things," you could say "Facilitated cross-functional team meetings, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity and a 15% reduction in project completion time." This revised statement clearly communicates the impact of your facilitation skills and provides specific, measurable results that potential employers can understand and appreciate.

By using the "so what" approach, candidates can differentiate themselves from other applicants and show potential employers that they are not only capable of performing the required tasks but also capable of driving meaningful results. This helps employers make more informed decisions about which candidates to interview and ultimately hire, as they can better assess the value and impact a candidate is likely to bring to their organization.



2. Highlight team efforts and collaboration

Nawaz also stresses the importance of mentioning team efforts and collaboration on your resume. By doing so, you demonstrate your ability to work well with others, adapt to different working styles, and showcase your leadership and communication skills. This provides a more accurate representation of your work ethic and capabilities and helps potential employers assess your fit within their organization.

For instance, instead of listing your responsibilities as "I worked on various projects," you could say "Collaborated with a team of five to develop and implement a new marketing strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in sales." This statement not only highlights your role in the project but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the positive impact you made.

In conclusion, incorporating these two resume tips can significantly enhance your chances of standing out in the job market. By being specific and highlighting the impact of your work, as well as mentioning team efforts and collaboration, you can create a more compelling and effective resume that showcases your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments.