Receiving a compliment, positive feedback or any form of kudos from someone you respect and admire will always gives you a boost. Whenever another person takes the time out to appreciate our hard work and point out what we do best, it tends to make us feel proud and confident. I can speak personally on this area – I enjoy hearing about my clients’ success and their satisfaction with resumes, cover letters and any other career documents I have prepared for them.
For those of you who are actively job searching, why not incorporate testimonials, management comments and excerpts from your performance evaluations into your career marketing package?
It is a unique approach that is increasingly gaining popularity and acceptance in mainstream resumes. Remember how effective it works on the LinkedIn profile?
If you are one of those individuals who feel uncomfortable tooting your horn, adding a powerful testimony to your professional resume is an easy and honest way to let someone else do it for you. There are few things that are more attention-getting than having words that validate your professionals qualifications and support or give evidence to your unique promise of value. When strategically placed throughout your resume, testimonials give potential employers and recruiters quick insight to your personal brand and value proposition.
I have repeatedly used this strategy effectively with many of my clients and will take you through a few examples of how to use testimonials on your next resume.
Below is an example of a testimonial that I use to help market my services, the same can work for you.
“I left my company without a job in sight and I was hired in five business days by another company…I know that was due largely to the magic you did on my resume.” (M. Jones, University Administrator)
Viable Sources For Testimonials
A great testimonial or endorsement can come from a variety of sources including supervisors, colleagues, peers, mentors, managers, clients, consultant and fellow volunteers.
1) Get It In Writing
The next time someone pays you a great compliments, ask him/her to put it in writing. Powerful statements from key individuals in your career can benefit you immensely for years to come.
2) Use Excerpts
Rarely would you use an entire testimony or endorsement on your resume (unless it was brief). Just extract key phrases and statements that would support your qualifications and really beef up your resume.
3) Use a person's name or professional title
If you have an endorsement from someone who is prominent in your industry or a well-respected individual, you should include the person’s full name. When you are not comfortable using the individual’s name (for example, your current manager), using his/her title is just as effective.
*Note: When using an individual’s full name, you must get permission first.
Examples Of Testimonials On A Resume
Scenario: A jobseeker changing careers to an accountant:
“Devin worked well with all members of the accounting team…there were no discrepancies and assigned work tasks were completed according to written policies and procedures and GAAP standards.” ABC Company Accountant
Scenario: A jobseeker looking for another office managerial role:
“Janet is a tremendous support to her manager as well as to the entire company...she is a pleasure to work with and no-one ever feels hesitant to ask her for assistance. [Select excerpts from recent performance evaluation]
Scenario: A jobseeker advancing to a managerial position in the same company:
“She far exceeded my expectation for the outcome of this program…I believe that her effort and final product shows the absolute value of this program in developing managers and leaders. (David Klein, Senior Director, NBC)
If you are interested in a financial career, check out www.financialjobbank.com
About Writer
Abby M. Locke (premierwriting.com) is a career marketing strategist and leadership brand coach who partners with 6-figure global executives and professional MBA women to help them achieve true career mastery and success through cutting-edge, career branded communications, innovative job search campaigns, and proactive career management tools.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!