Don't Make Your Resume Duties-Driven

Avoid expressions like “Responsibilities included,” “Duties included,” and “Responsible for” on your resume. Why? Because describing your job responsibilities is tantamount to reciting a job description, which in turn tells the prospective employer that you did the bare minimum in the job. “Duties” and “responsibilities” comprise job-description language. Instead, focus on language that spotlights accomplishments and achievements. How did you take initiative in the job? What did you do on the job that was different or better than anyone else holding that job? It’s not always easy to describe the value you added for your former employers, but doing so is a lot more effective than listing responsibilities and duties.