When it comes to the introduction of your resume, we’ve already explained that an objective statement is not the best method. Everyone should embrace the alternative – and highly effective – value statement.
As you can imagine, a value statement is a statement that demonstrates your value. Easy enough right? The more important question here is, what information should you include in order to craft an effective value statement?
We’ve broken down the Top 5 pieces of information that should always be included in your value statement, and why.
1. Job title
First things first – Who are you and what do you do? Right away, tell the hiring manager what your current title is, whether you’re a Senior Manager or a Recent Graduate. This establishes your experience and credibility before you say anything more.
In cases where your current title does not relate to the role you are applying for, mention your transferable skills instead. For example: “A dedicated professional who excels in customer service and operations management.”
2. Industry focus
Remember – Your field and your industry and two very different pieces of information.
In your job title, the hiring manager gets an understanding of what your field is. You now need to clarify what your industry is. For example: you could be an accountant in the mining industry or the media industry. These two industries require different skills and different knowledge.
If you do not have any experience in the industry that you are applying for, ensure to mention your adaptability. Though you are currently working in the mining industry, you must state that you are confident your skills will seamlessly transition into a media setting.
3. Years of experience
A must have. Almost every single job posting you will ever read will specify how many years of experience the hiring manager prefers the candidate to have.
Therefore, you can assume that this is another piece of information that the hiring manager wants to know right away.
We recommend phrasing your years of experience as something you can offer the employer. For example: “Offering 8+ years of managerial experience overseeing multiple departments of over 100 employees each.”
4. Education
The Basics – You don’t have to tell the hiring manager what you minored in, what school you attended and when you graduated, you just need to state the basics.
As another checklist on the list of minimum requirements, you should always state the level of education that you have completed. The most important points are simply the level (Bachelor, Master, etc.) and the field of study (Commerce, Science, Arts, Etc.).
If you are currently enrolled for a program, course or other professional development activity, this is a great place to highlight that. You will show the hiring manager that you understand the importance of education and furthering your skill-set to ensure you will offer them the most up-to-date knowledge.
5. Achievements
Set Yourself Apart – You have told the hiring manager everything they want to hear, but now it’s time to tell them something they didn’t expect. Highlight one or two impressive achievements briefly in your value statement to pique the hiring manager’s interest.
Sample achievements would be a demonstrated record of success in exceeding annual sales targets, or a proven ability to design and implement new systems to eliminate inefficiencies and boost productivity. Now you’ve told the hiring manager that you meet all of the minimum requirements, and that you also bring added value that they won’t find with other candidates.
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