If you are a client of mine, you have heard about the C.A.R. method. It’s a method I use in every single resume.
OK, so what does C.A.R. stand for and what does it mean for you?
C.A.R. stands for: Challenge. Action. Results.
When consulting with clients and proceeding with the data mining process, I always ask them about their C.A.R. stories. What were the stories behind their accomplishments? What was going on in the company before they took on the issue? Give the reader some background, not a novel, just a hint of what the environment was like.
So ask yourself, what was the Challenge I faced when either a) I joined the company or B) I took on the new situation or C) I was promoted? Briefly discuss the Challenge. Again, it doesn’t have to be super lengthy. You just want to get your message across.
For the Action portion, this is where you can talk about what you did to resolve or change the situation. What action or steps did you take? For some jobs, it might be quite detailed, but I wouldn’t advise talking about every single thing. Summarize as best as you can. Remember, HR people have lots of resumes to review and not a lot of time.
For the Results portion of C.A.R., talk about the results. What was the percentage of production increase? How much did you increase sales or people productivity? Use numbers and percentages whenever possible.
These are the things that stand out and make you more employable as employers want PROOF of what you are capable of doing… it shows them what you can also do for them as well.
C.A.R. is the easiest way to pull out your accomplishments if you are having a hard time thinking of what you did/do.
~ Erin Kennedy
Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 8 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for professionals in every industry and every career level. As a proud member of PARW, CDI, AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI’s Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates.
*HealthcareITCentral.com has chosen Professional Resume Services as their Preferred Resume Provider, and has negotiated exclusive rates for the HealthcareITCentral.com community.