P = PROBLEM
A = ACTION
R = RESULT

When writing about your experience at your previous place of employment, state the PROBLEM you encountered, the ACTION you took to resolve the conflict, and the RESULT that occurred because of what you did. Use clear, focused wording and be brief so the hiring manager can take it in with a sweep of the eye.

Example #1:

I faced a disorganized, poorly managed warehouse (PROBLEM) when I went to work for XYZ Enterprises. Within six months I transformed the place into a smooth-running operation by limiting stock orders according to projected sales, letting go of three unreliable part-time employees, and automating an obsolete system of tracking sales and deliveries (ACTION), which brought about a savings for the company of $200,000 the first year (RESULT).

Example #2:

I inherited an engineering company’s outdated filing system (PROBLEM) and resolved the issues it created by introducing and training employees in the use of a simple but sophisticated functional-coding system (ACTION), which helped recover valuable, previously misplaced or lost project records, bringing about a smooth, error-free solution to a major flaw in the company’s operation.(RESULT)

Keep It Clear and Concise

Hit P-A-R each time you draft a resume by stating the Problem you faced, the Action you took, and the Result you achieved in your previous job. Such clear and concise writing will surely convince any hiring manager that you can do the same in the new position.

Remember, every company faces PROBLEMS and they are looking for their employees to take ACTION that produces bottom line RESULTS.

For example, resolving conflict among subordinates is a good thing-but it doesn’t show how that ability affects the company’s bottom line.

So what do you do? Leave that skill off your resume? Absolutely not! Instead reword it so it highlights the benefit.

Here’s an example:

Sales Manager

Resolves conflicts among subordinates. Result: Less staff turnover. Company benefit: Money and time saved on training new personnel.

Administrative Assistant

Hired one fast word processor. Result: Eliminated two part-time word processing jobs. Company benefit: Saved department $10,000 in unnecessary wages.

Marketing Director

Split-tested two sales letters against each other for 30 days and found one to improve sales by 25%. Result: Added $20,000 per month in additional profit by switching to the new sales letter.

Give some serious thought as to how you can save money and/or make money for a particular company. At the end of the business day it’s all about bottom line results and what YOU can bring to the table.

There is a time to toot your horn and there is a time to blow it softly. A resume is the time to toot! Speak up for yourself when what you have to offer will be a benefit to the company you hope to work for. Follow the examples above and you’ll see an increase in the requests you receive for quality job interviews.

Here’s what to do:

• Place your name and contact information flush left. Include phone numbers and e-mail address.

• State your objective simply and clearly: A position as a Clothing Store Manager

• Write a short summary of your qualifications: good communicator and leader, friendly personality, knowledgeable about the clothing industry, organized and goal-oriented. Note the clear yet simple wording.

• List your last two jobs, the start and finish dates, name of company or organization, city and state. Write one or two short sentences describing your responsibilities. Example: As assistant store manager my responsibilities included monitoring inventory, conducting new employee trainings, and helping the store manager with day-to-day operations and staffing.

• State your training or education such as: Community College or Community Trade School, the date you finished and the city and state.

• Put down any awards or recognition you received such as: Customer Service Award, the date and the name of the organization that honored you. Example: Retail Professionals of America, Community Service Award.

Remember: PRECISE IS NICE!
A hiring manager receives a large volume of resumes each day. The pile from one day may spill into the next and so the stack grows. He or she has only a few seconds to glance at each resume and make a decision: STASH (for later) or TRASH (for good).

If you want yours to go into the STASH pile for a second viewing, follow the proven suggestions above. Use friendly, clear language that briefly describes your experience and qualifications.

Then send it off and relax. You’ve done your part. Now it’s up to the hiring manager.

However, you can be certain that a well written resume that goes to the heart of what he or she is looking for in a future employee will gain attention and that special phone call or e-mail that says, “Let’s together for an interview. I liked your clear and precise resume.”