Resume writing 101: What does your audience already know about the positions you've held and the companies you've worked for?

I often talk about understanding your audience and respecting the knowledge they already have about the companies you've worked for and the types of positions you've held. That's important - otherwise you're wasting their time.

So if you're a store manager for The Children's Place, for example, ask yourself - will the person reading your resume probably already know the basic elements of what you're responsible for? If so, don't waste time telling them that you're responsible for driving sales, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction, hiring and training staff, controlling shrink, etc. It provides no value.

Sames goes if you're a district manager for Eddie Bauer. Do you think the reader already understands that you conduct store visits, set targets, recruit leaders, develop succession plans, etc? If so, then leave that stuff out and tell them about your particular district, the challenges you faced, and the achievements you had. That will provide the reader with much more value.

The reverse is true as well. Keep in mind they don't know everything you do about the companies you've worked for.

Some of your past employers may use specific terminology or acronyms that not everyone is familiar with - if so, spell it out. Or they may use odd job titles that aren't used by most other companies - if so, clarify your position and job level. Or they may give out awards with strange names that not everyone will recognize or understand - if so, explain what it was for. Or perhaps the company just isn't that well known - if so, include a brief description and perhaps a link to their website.

The reader can't put your skills and achievements into context if they don't understand your position or know what type of company it was (and don't assume they have time to look it up).

​Best of luck!