I don't know if you know this, but I am kind of a big deal.

November 2, 2009 8:40 AM

Résumé Filter: I work for Blank Inc. I started working there about 4 years ago when it was just 2 other people, losing money and totally unknown. Now it is well over a dozen people and has been featured in many well known publications and partnered with big name companies and organizations. How do I best display my contribution on my résumé?

Although the company is far from a household name, I was instrumental in bringing it from the brink of ruin and complete obscurity to profitable and partnered with big name companies. If my company was a household name, I wouldn't really have this problem as it would speak for itself. It probably won't become a household name, so I am wondering how to best display its success.

I am wondering how to really display my contribution on paper. When I am talking to people, I feel comfortable explaining things, but on paper, mentioning other companies seems a bit weird. Is it appropriate to namedrop publications, features or partners on your resume? I mean, some of these partners are definitely eye-catching and I am proud to have been associated with these companies, but I don't want to come off douchey.

My job description is unique, so it is best to just tell people what I have accomplished. Right now I have a Professional Profile on top of my résumé, which I think it best for me because I have a lot demonstrable achievements. I would like to make it as strong as possible, but am wondering if discussing partners, features and whatnot will just come off pathetic.

Thanks for your thoughts.

posted by anonymous to work & money (6 comments total)

This may be ObviousFilter, but can you think of three to five specific things you did that illustrate your being instrumental to fixing the company? And then write a phrase for each thing. E.g. Solicited relationship with Big Name Company to distribute new products. Orchestrated press coverage triggering increased sales from $X to $Y. (Okay, those kind of suck, but you get the idea.)
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 8:51 AM on November 2 [1 favorite]

Look at converting your resume to a functional format. Categorize your achievements. Highlight the impact of each. The company you work for is now secondary to the skills you offer.

If you are published (white papers) - functional format is IDEAL for listing where your work appears.
posted by Nanukthedog at 8:53 AM on November 2 [1 favorite]

I personally don't think it's douchey to mention places your contributions have been mentioned any more than any other accomplishments you've achieved. It's another metric for success, in a certain way.

"Helped to increase public exposure of X and Y via Z and Q as highlighted in such publications as Badass Monthly and Dude of the Week"
posted by CharlesV42 at 9:10 AM on November 2 [1 favorite]

Were you mentioned in any articles? That's a good thing to make available.
posted by parmanparman at 9:32 AM on November 2

If it's true (meaning they didn't restart fresh with two founders and you are chronologically employee #23), I like seeing things like "Employee #3 at Blank, Inc" near the top of the narrative block in a resume.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:53 AM on November 2

List specific things you did and their actual financial impact. 'Through [doing awesome thing] increased revenue / cut costs from $X to $Y resulting in turnaround from loss of $A to profit of $B'

Also, if you can't mention the specific companies you can describe them enough that people will recognize them. 'Established partnership with world's largest automaker leading to 800% increase in sales of widgets'.
posted by IanMorr at 1:59 PM on November 2 [1 favorite]