Career

Roundtable

PAR Statements

by Andrea King
Q: How can I enhance my resume enough so that I am granted an interview? — Mary T.

A: Utilize PAR Statements in your resume for best results. PAR statements are phrases describing your work duties and accomplishments. Once you get the hang of it, they are easier to develop, but at first, it can definitely be a challenge. This article will enable you to successfully sell yourself via your resume, then later in the interview.

PAR statements are made up of three components. P stands for Problem (or issue), A for Action, R for Result(s). These are key ingredients that, when written out well, will lead to more interviews, as well as further train you on selling yourself in an interview setting. The “Problem” is the issue you dealt with on the job (the task(s) assigned), the “Action” includes the duties you accomplished directly related to the “Problem”, while the “Results” include the positive outcomes.

Here are three examples:

Supervised and trained (A) four new employees (P) on company policies, job duties, and sales tactics, resulting in 60% increase in sales within two months of their hire date. (R)

Taught job search skills (A) to unemployed individuals (P), calling upon strong communication skills and knowledge of subject matter, resulting in students returning to work 40% faster.(R)

Determined need for more volunteers at upcoming fundraising event (P), having recruited and trained volunteers efficiently and effectively (A), resulting in strong increase in participant satisfaction and funds raised.(R)

Remember that one’s resume often involves many revisions and is a document that will transform throughout your working years. The most difficult part to writing a PAR statement is clearly describing the accomplishments. If you get stuck creating solid PAR statements, take phrases you currently have on your resume and ask yourself, “So what?”. This technique should enable you to more clearly capture your accomplishment(s).

If you have a question for Andrea, please send it to roundtable@poisemag.com.
Andrea King, M.S., N.C.C. is a Career Counselor in private practice located in Portland, OR. She assists clients nationwide with a wide variety of career-related issues. Find helpful links at her website: www.careerful.com. If you have a question for Andrea, please send it to roundtable@poisemag.com.