PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT experiences , and if so , do they adequately reflect the accomplishments and outcomes of your actions ?
Is your resume error free , easy to read , and have consistent formatting throughout the document ?
If the answer is “ no ” to any of these questions , below are a few tips to help you update your resume and transform it from a generic , duty-based document to a more personalized , achievement-based reflection of your unique qualifications and characteristics .
1 .
Consider adding a “ Career
Profile ” or “ Summary of Qualifications ” section at the top of your resume that includes five to seven bullets highlighting your skills and strengths that align with the position for which you are applying . Make sure to include information about your technical , sports field management , and leadership qualities . Many candidates forget to include leadership capabilities ; however , these are the unique characteristics you possess that can really set you apart from your competitors . Use these examples to start generating ideas :
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Sports field management professional with more than 10 years of experience maintaining outdoor athletic fields on college campuses and for city recreational facilities with a track record of producing high-quality conditions in challenging climates .
Strong leader who has managed crews of 8 – 24 with a hands-on approach ; ability to develop relationships and capitalize on individual strengths to effectively delegate tasks and motivate employees to deliver quality results .
Extensive experience developing and implementing equipment maintenance plans that optimize equipment use and encourage fiscal responsibility .
Exceptional ability to identify and eradicate plant disease and pests to maximize turf health and aesthetics .
2 .
List your relevant areas of expertise in a separate “ Skills ” section so the hiring committee can easily see how you meet the required and / or preferred qualifications . The rest of the information within your resume should provide evidence that you have these skills . You may also want to elaborate more on these areas of expertise in a cover letter .
SKILLS Budget oversight Landscape design Fertilizer and pesticide application Pest and disease identification Cultural practices Irrigation management Crew management Strategic planning Drainage management Communication
3 .
Include three to five bulleted impact statements for each of your experiences . These statements should not be a list of your duties or responsibilities . Rather , they should be achievement-based . A person ’ s duties , typically , are not unique and do not demonstrate proof of skills , strengths or contributions . Aim for each statement to be specific , include measurable outcomes of your contributions , and start with a strong action verb . The graphic below shows examples of how to effectively describe your experience .
4 .
Proofread , proofread , proofread ! Read through your resume several times before submitting your application to make sure it is free of any errors . It is a good idea to have a friend , family member or colleague read through it as well , just in case you overlooked anything . Additionally , consider these formatting tips to ensure your resume follows some basic standards and is easy to read .
Font : Use a generic font such as Times New Roman , Calibri , Arial or Helvetica with a size between 10 and 12-point for the main text . The font in your header that includes your name and contact information should be slightly larger .
Margins : Aim for . 5 to 1-inch margins on all sides . This will allow plenty of white space so your document doesn ’ t appear too crowded .
Consistency : Make sure you are consistent with how information is formatted throughout your sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2021 | SportsField Management
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