A resume is more than just a list of skills. It’s your career story—one that speaks to who you are, what you’ve achieved, and why you’re a great fit for a role. Kallie Boxell, a recruitment director from Weatherford, Texas, who leads hiring strategies and high-performing teams in Dallas, shares her insights on how job seekers can craft a resume that tells a compelling story.
Start with a Strong Personal Brand
Your resume is the first impression most employers will have of you. To make it count, start by establishing a personal brand. This isn’t just about a catchy headline or a job title—it’s about telling the world what you bring to the table and what you’re passionate about. According to Kallie Boxell, “A strong personal brand is not just about skills or job titles. It’s about the impact you’ve made in your previous roles and how you’ve grown.”
Rather than just listing your past jobs, think about how each role helped shape your career. Ask yourself: What did you learn? How did you grow? What challenges did you overcome? When you answer these questions, you’re starting to build a story—a story that will catch the attention of hiring managers.
Use the “Accomplishment vs. Responsibility” Approach
Instead of simply listing job duties, focus on accomplishments. Employers want to know what you’ve achieved, not just what you were responsible for. Kallie stresses, “A resume should reflect how you’ve made a difference in your roles. Whether it’s improving processes, driving sales, or leading a team to success, your achievements should be the focus.”
For example, rather than saying, “Responsible for managing a team,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 to exceed sales targets by 20% for two consecutive quarters.” This not only shows your leadership but also quantifies your impact. Numbers and results are a great way to make your story come alive.
Highlight Skills That Support Your Story
While it’s tempting to stuff your resume with as many skills as possible, Kallie advises against this. “A good resume doesn’t overwhelm the reader with a list of every skill you’ve ever learned. Instead, choose the skills that truly matter to the role you’re applying for.” Tailor your skills section to match the job you want. If you’re applying for a project management role, emphasize organizational and leadership skills. If the role is in marketing, highlight your creativity and ability to analyze data.
Don’t forget to back up these skills with examples. For instance, if you list “leadership” as a skill, explain how you led a team to success. It’s not just about having the skill—it’s about showing how you applied it.
Weave Your Career Path Into a Narrative
A resume that tells a story goes beyond listing job titles and skills. It connects the dots between your past roles and your career progression. Kallie Boxell explains, “When you can tie your previous roles together with a clear narrative, it shows your career growth and how you’ve been working toward your ultimate career goals.”
Think about how each job fits into your larger story. Perhaps you started in an entry-level role, learned key skills, and then progressed into a leadership position. Highlight that journey. If you’ve switched industries, explain how your transferable skills will help you succeed in a new field. This shows employers that you’re not just changing jobs—you’re evolving and learning along the way.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
A compelling career story doesn’t just tell your achievements—it shows them. One way to do this is by incorporating keywords that highlight your impact. For instance, words like “achieved,” “led,” “improved,” and “increased” can showcase what you’ve done. But don’t stop there. Support those words with examples that make your story tangible.
Rather than writing, “I have experience in team management,” say, “Managed a team of 15, improving team productivity by 25% through strategic delegation and clear communication.” This example gives life to your accomplishments and shows exactly how you made an impact.
Keep It Focused
While it’s important to tell your story, Kallie emphasizes that brevity is key. “Hiring managers don’t have time to read lengthy resumes. Focus on the most relevant and impactful experiences that support your story,” she advises.
Keep your resume concise. Aim for one page if you’re early in your career and two pages if you have several years of experience. Only include the details that matter. Eliminate unnecessary information like outdated skills, irrelevant jobs, or personal details that don’t contribute to your story. The goal is to keep your resume focused and impactful.
Don’t Forget the Cover Letter
A resume is a powerful tool, but it’s even stronger when paired with a well-crafted cover letter. Kallie suggests, “Your cover letter is the perfect place to further develop your career story. Use it to connect the dots between your past experience and the job you’re applying for. Explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your story aligns with the company’s mission.”
A cover letter allows you to tell your story in your own voice and highlight why you’re uniquely qualified for the position. It’s your opportunity to connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level, and it can often make the difference in getting noticed.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Kallie Boxell advises tailoring your resume for every job application. “One size doesn’t fit all,” she says. “Each role has unique requirements and a specific company culture. Your resume should speak directly to those needs.”
By customizing your resume, you show that you’ve done your homework and understand the role. Highlight experiences that match the job description. Adjust your skills section to reflect what’s most important to the employer. This will increase your chances of getting noticed.
Conclusion
Your resume should be more than just a list of job duties. It should tell a compelling story about who you are, what you’ve achieved, and why you’re the right person for the job. By focusing on accomplishments, using a narrative approach, and tailoring your resume for each role, you can create a resume that stands out. Remember, it’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about how you tell your story.
Rick Vermillion is a business owner in Colorado Springs, CO.