Crafting a compelling resume isn’t just about listing your job titles and duties; it’s about telling your professional story in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers. Here are three key stories your resume should convey, complete with relevant data and examples to make your narrative stand out.

1. Your Career Progression and Growth

Your resume should clearly show how you’ve grown and progressed in your career. This story demonstrates your ability to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and advance within your field.

 If you started as a junior analyst and worked your way up to a senior manager, highlight the promotions and increased responsibilities. Use specific data points to illustrate your growth.

Use metrics to quantify your achievements. For instance, “Promoted from Junior Analyst to Senior Manager within five years, overseeing a team of 15 and increasing department efficiency by 20%.”

2. Your Impact and Achievements

Highlighting your impact in previous roles is crucial. This story should convey how your contributions have made a tangible difference to your employers. Focus on achievements that are measurable and significant.

 If you spearheaded a project that resulted in significant cost savings or revenue growth, detail the specifics.

Use figures and percentages to emphasize your accomplishments. For example, “Led a project that reduced operating costs by 15%, saving the company £500,000 annually.”

According to a survey by TopResume, 68% of hiring managers want to see quantifiable results in resumes to understand a candidate’s potential impact on their organization.

3. Your Problem-Solving and Innovation Skills

Showcase your ability to solve problems and innovate. This story highlights your creativity, critical thinking, and ability to adapt to new challenges.

 Describe a situation where you identified a problem, developed a solution, and implemented it successfully. Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions.

Provide context and detail to make your story compelling. For instance, “Identified inefficiencies in the supply chain process, developed a new logistics strategy, and reduced delivery times by 30%.”

According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Global Talent Trends report, 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers say that soft skills, like problem-solving and creativity, are just as important as hard skills in hiring decisions.

Your resume should be more than just a list of jobs; it should tell the story of your career progression, your impact, and your problem-solving abilities. By clearly conveying these three key stories, you can create a compelling resume that stands out to hiring managers.

For more tips on crafting the perfect resume and other career advice, talk to our expert team.