Are you struggling to decide between a Doer resume and an Achiever resume? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two types of resumes have distinct differences that can make or break your chances of getting the job you want. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between the two and provide insights on which type of resume is right for you.
Understanding Doer Resumes
A Doer resume is a traditional resume that emphasizes responsibilities and duties. It’s a great option for entry-level positions or when you’re just starting out in your career. A Doer resume primarily highlights the tasks you’ve accomplished in your previous roles. For example, it might say “Responsible for managing a team of five people” or “Performed data entry tasks.”
Understanding Achiever Resumes
In contrast to a Doer resume, an Achiever resume emphasizes accomplishments and outcomes. This resume type is ideal if you have substantial experience and are looking to move up the career ladder. An Achiever resume highlights your achievements that can be measured and quantified. For example, it might say “Increased sales revenue by 20% within six months” or “Developed and implemented a new process that streamlined workflow, resulting in saving 50% of time and resources.”
Doer vs. Achiever Resumes: Examples and Benefits
Let’s dive deeper into the differences between Doer and Achiever resumes by looking at some real-life examples:
Doer Resume Example
- Responsibilities:
- Managed event planning logistics
- Generated reports for the senior management team
- Trained new hires
- Benefits: It shows the candidate’s experience in the areas of event planning, reporting, and training new team members, which demonstrates their qualifications for a similar position.
Achiever Resume Example
- Accomplishments:
- Increased website traffic by 50% through the implementation of SEO strategies
- Managed a $2 million marketing budget, resulting in a 25% increase in leads
- Spearheaded a successful social media campaign that resulted in 10,000 new followers
- Benefits: It showcases the candidate’s measurable achievements, proving their ability to drive results and make a significant impact on the organization.
What Employers Are Looking For
When it comes to resumes, employers are looking for candidates that stand out from the crowd. According to a study by The Ladders, recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning a resume before making a decision. This means that you need to make a powerful impression right from the start.
Achiever resumes are more effective in catching the employer’s attention because they highlight specific achievements and outcomes, rather than just listing responsibilities. They show how the candidate has made a real difference in their previous roles and can do the same for the new position.
Tips for Crafting an Achiever Resume
If you’re convinced that an Achiever resume is the way to go, here are some tips to help you craft one that stands out:
- Quantify accomplishments: Use specific numbers or percentages to demonstrate the impact you have made in previous roles.
- Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with an action verb that demonstrates the skill you used to achieve your goal.
- Tailor your resume: Don’t use a generic resume for every job application. Customize your resume for each position you apply for.
- Use clear, concise language: Avoid using buzzwords or industry jargon that may not be easily understood by a recruiter.
Addressing Common Criticisms
One common criticism of Achiever resumes is that they may come across as boasting or lacking in humility. However, this is not the case if you focus on the facts and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.
Another criticism is that it may be challenging to stand out in a crowded job market. Still, by quantifying your accomplishments, using action verbs, and tailoring your resume to the job description, you can set yourself apart from the competition.
Incorporating Personal Branding
Personal branding is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other candidates. You can incorporate personal branding into your resume by highlighting specific skills or values that align with the job description. For example, if the job requires strong leadership skills, you might highlight your experience leading a team.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this guide:
- A Doer resume emphasizes duties and responsibilities, while an Achiever resume highlights accomplishments and measurable outcomes.
- Achiever resumes are more effective in catching the employer’s attention because they demonstrate the candidate’s ability to make an impact.
- Quantify your accomplishments, use action verbs, tailor your resume to the job description, and focus on the facts to ensure that your Achiever resume doesn’t come across as boasting.
- Incorporate personal branding into your resume to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
FAQ
What if I don’t have many measurable accomplishments?
Not every accomplishment needs to be quantifiable. If you don’t have many measurable accomplishments, highlight your most significant achievements and the skills you used to achieve them.
Can I use an Achiever resume for an entry-level position?
While an Achiever resume is more suited for candidates with substantial experience, you can still use this type of resume for an entry-level position if you have significant accomplishments. For example, if you led a successful volunteer project while in college, you might highlight that achievement in your Achiever resume.