I estimate that at least 85% of all job seekers have job titles unrelated to their current career goals � and that they are much better off using skill headings rather than job titles to land higher salaries and double and triple their interview rates.
For example, Fran had been a Directory Operator but in most people's minds that doesn't sound like she's at the level of a Corporate Customer Representative making $33,000 � that's because most people don't view directory operators as providing true customer service. Most people say that Directory Operator sounds like someone making only $20,000. However, by using the 12 Questions in my Proven resumes Series, Fran wrote a new description of her duties as a Directory Operator that described her being selected out of 100 Directory Operators to provide specialized Customer Service to the Governor's Office and Political Dignitaries in the Washington State Capitol � now that information begins to change our image of Fran doesn't it? That makes her sound much more like someone being able to command $33,000.
Which sounds like a better match for the $33,000 Corporate Customer Service Representative goal� her old job title of Directory Operator � or a skill heading like Customer Service Representative to State of Washington Account. In Fran's actual resume we used the heading of Customer Service Representative but you can see how you can play with skill headings to control and elevate your image � this is one strategy I explain in detail with examples throughout my book, Proven Resumes: Strategies That Have Increased Salaries, and one of the strongest things I can offer you as a resume writer � just in case you don't have the time or patience to write your own.