The Art of Focused Communication: Avoiding Topic Overload
We all tend to get into a resume-writing zone at times, which can cause us to mash up unrelated job responsibilities and other bits. This means we put two or more subjects into a sentence that have nothing to do with each other.
When writing, the goal is to keep the same/similar topics together.
Below is an example of a sentence that’s gone horribly wrong:
Managed the logistics of a high-volume receiving department and provided oversight during the recent paving of the company parking lot.
Did you notice how the above sentence starts with managing receiving logistics and ends with a paving project?
These are two very different topics (skills) that make the sentence clunky.
The best approach would be to divide the above sentence into two, with each half focusing on its designated subject.
Here’s an example of that in action:
Managed the logistics of a 30,000 SF receiving department, overseeing $450,000+ worth of returned merchandise.
Did you notice that we took the opportunity to insert numbers while we ensured the sentence stayed on topic?
The second sentence could look like this:
Monitored the parking lot expansion and paving project, ensuring the asphalt contractor complied with the $33,000 contract. Expanded parking spaces by 60% to accommodate new hires in the warehouse.
Going forward, scan your writing.
Critique and rewrite your sentences as needed to ensure you remain on topic throughout.
