Your resume should be a roadmap to your future, not a tribute to your past. The term “Tombstone Resume,” credited to career expert Mark Berkowitz, describes a resume that excels in detailing your qualifications for your previous role but falls short in showing how your skills are transferable to a prospective job.

Bury the Past, Highlight the Future

Take, for instance, the resume of “Jill,” who stated, “Processed 1000 students’ applications during the University’s open day.” While this may prove that Jill can handle a high-volume workload, it doesn’t necessarily indicate her skills are transferable to a new role. Jill is making what’s known as a ‘tombstone statement’—it’s a good qualification for the job she’s leaving but offers little to future employers.

The Art of Future-Focused Statements

What Jill needs to do is pivot her narrative toward the future. Her aim should not be to qualify for her current role, but for the next one. In rewriting her statement, she could say:

“Surpassed co-worker’s efforts by 50%, processing 1000 student applications on University Open Day. Error-free entry of data into the computerised system streamlined the process, eliminated long queues, and allowed demonstration classes to commence on time.”

This statement not only accounts for Jill’s efficiency and attention to detail but also provides a context that makes her achievements relatable to a broader range of roles.

The Right Metrics Make a Difference

When writing your resume, focus on the measurable results. Context is king; stating that you’ve processed 1000 applications is meaningless without knowing the standard. Was it an average day, or did you outperform your colleagues? By stating that she surpassed her coworker’s efforts by 50%, Jill adds another layer to her skills: competitiveness.

The Takeaway: Your Resume is Your Forward-Looking Statement

The next time you take a look at your resume, ask yourself: Is it a tombstone that immortalises your past achievements, or is it a launchpad that propels you toward your future career? By crafting statements that consider the needs of your next employer, you make your resume a compelling tool that opens doors rather than closes them. Keep your sights set on the future, and your resume will do the same.