How to Link Job Descriptions to Past Accomplishments

When applying for any job, you need to convince the potential employer that you are undoubtedly the most qualified applicant for the position. One way to do this is to use the employer's job description to write your resume. Matching your skills, qualifications and past accomplishments to the job description is a sure-fire way to grab the attention of the hiring manager and score an interview.

In the modern age of technology, many companies use automated matching tools to scan resumes and filter out keywords. According to job-matching site TheLadders, these applicant tracking systems are used to pair applicants with job matches before a hiring manager has even laid eyes on the resumes. The career website explains that taking action verbs straight from the job description and translating them into skills and qualifications on your resume is the key. TheLadders compiled a list of the most common action verbs found in resumes from all career fields, and the most popular words included "marketing," "training," "achieving," "creating," "executing," implementing," "solving," "leading," "negotiating" and "building."

A Nexxt article refers to a job posting as a "resume blueprint," reminding job applicants to focus on their own accomplishments that are most relevant to the position for which they are applying. The article provides several examples of bullet points from mock job descriptions and demonstrates how to match these company needs to your own career accomplishments. For example, if the potential employer is looking for a job candidate that possesses strong oral communication skills, you should detail on your resume how you developed and presented a sales pitch to a large number of clients. If the hiring firm is seeking a candidate that helps build new business, highlight how you used new sales initiatives to increase your customer base by a specific percentage. If the job for which you are applying stresses the importance of ensuring safety standards, add to your resume your accomplishment of updating a previous employer's safety manual and decreasing OSHA citations by a certain percentage.

Further, if a company wants a candidate that has strong organizational skills, explain in your resume how you acted as the assistant to your company's director to schedule meetings, coordinate travel and develop itineraries. Finally, when the hiring agency is seeking a job applicant with strong skills in project management, tell how you consistently met deadlines to deliver multimillion dollar contracts to high-profile clients.

A position's job description is an invaluable tool when writing your resume or attending a job interview. By gleaning clues from the job description, you can hone in on the specific skills and qualification that a hiring manager is seeking and tailor your resume to highlight your past accomplishments that perfectly fit the potential employer's ideal candidate.

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