Hiring managers rapidly scan through resumes and rely on quickly identifying the value a job seeker will bring to a position. If more than a few seconds pass and they cannot easily ascertain your value, they will move on to the next resume.

When I engage with new clients, their current resumes tend to be packed with daily activities, tasks and responsibilities. If we flipped the language, most resumes I see could serve as job descriptions…and employers already have job descriptions.

That a job candidate can engage in the basic mechanics required by a position is a given.

Instead, the focus of your new resume should be on your value: what will you bring to the job to help deliver success to your colleagues, to the department and to the larger organization?

Identifying your value does not come easily for most. We’re so caught up in the daily rigors and responsibilities of our jobs that we tend to diminish our impact by focusing on activities instead of results.

So, how do you get there? The first step is to hit the pause button on your resume development and determine the impact you have made on the organizations you worked for.

To help you determine your value, ask yourself the following questions:

• What were the goals of the departments you worked in?
• How did you play a role in achieving those goals?
• What are some detailed examples of your contributions?
• How can you quantify the results of those contributions?
• What was your single greatest accomplishment at each of your jobs?

Ultimately, you should focus on accomplishments instead of job duties. Additionally, avoid trying to include everything you’ve accomplished during your career in your resume, and refrain from focusing on detail that doesn’t do anything to set you apart.

If it’s not compelling or part of your high-level career narrative, don’t include it. This alone will ensure that the information you present in your resume will be notable and focus on your value—and not read like a job description.

If you need support in your job search—whether it’s identifying your value or creating a professionally written resume, contact San Francisco-based resume writer, Robin Kelley, at Resume Preferred to schedule an introductory call.

If you’re a senior executive and are seeking to capture and convey your value in the marketplace—and achieve the next level of career success—contact Leadership Career Consultant Amy Phillip.