When I helped my son write his first résumé, he voiced a common complaint: “It’s embarrassing, like I’m bragging: I did this. I did that. I am this. I am that.”
Yes, it sounds like bragging, and it also sounds repetitive and sing-songy. No one wants to read a whole page in which the subject of every sentence is “I.” Also, hiring managers skim before they read more deeply, so you want to telegraph your best traits.
Enter telegraphic style.
What is telegraphic style?
Telegraphic style cuts out unnecessary words but still communicates clearly. It originated in the age of the telegraph, when you paid by the word and so wrote as concisely as possible.
Here are some tips to creating effective telegraphic style:
1. Eliminate “I,” helping verbs, and unnecessary articles (a, an, the).
Traditional Style: I have been managing a team of five graphic designers.
Telegraphic Style: Manage team of five graphic designers.
2. Make wordy constructions concise.
Wordy: In the past two years, I have completed my Registered Nurse degree, which includes certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Concise: Completed RN degree with CPR certification.
3. Convert paragraphs to lists.
Paragraph:
I have many skills and qualifications. I have had in-depth training in laws and regulations concerning apprehension, search and seizure, rules of evidence, and use of deadly force. I also understand security-management principles, training methods, and countermeasures. In addition, I have been teaching physical-training management, marksmanship, and weaponry.
List:
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Know laws and regulations concerning apprehension, search and seizure, rules of evidence, and use of deadly force.
- Understand security-management principles, training methods, and countermeasures.
- Teach physical-training management, marksmanship, and weaponry.
4. Keep list items parallel (starting with the same part of speech).
Nonparallel:
- Trained and supervised production technicians.
- Smooth operation of production lab
- Microprocessors and Digital Circuits
Parallel:
- Trained and supervised production technicians.
- Facilitated smooth operation of production lab.
- Assisted lab teaching for Microprocessors and Digital Circuits class.
5. Focus on key words from the job listing.
Job Listing:
Copywriters create engaging articles about current science news. You will research science topics and write original, high-quality articles in accordance with our SEO best practices.
Résumé
Researched and wrote engaging articles focused on science and history, maximizing SEO.
What if my résumé becomes hard to understand?
Maybe you’ve made it too concise. You need to use the fewest words possible to make your meaning clear, but if you cut even more, your meaning will be garbled, like a telegraph signal that breaks up.
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