RWA Flagship Resume Training Program: Class 2 – Language & Grammar © 2017 Resume Writing Academy | Page 6
Correct:
(example of a qualifications summary … words in bold are parallel structure)
▪ Outstanding leadership and senior-level experience in complex tactical planning, execution, and
operating management.
▪ Expertise in managing relationships between security components and programs within the
Department of Homeland Security and other Federal departments.
▪ History of coordinating interagency actions on threats with Transportation Security Administration
(TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United
States Secret Service (USSS).
▪ Reputation for being professional, analytical, drug-free, detail- and results-oriented.
Alternative example of same achievements – also correct:
▪ Outstanding leader with senior-level experience in complex tactical planning, execution, and operating management.
▪ Expert in managing relationships between security components and programs within the Department of
Homeland Security and other Federal departments.
▪ Effective coordinator of interagency actions on threats with Transportation Security Administration (TSA),
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United States Secret
Service (USSS).
▪ Consummate professional with powerful analytical skills, a drug-free record, and strong detail/results orientation.
Note:
You have a bit more leeway in the paragraph format, but limit yourself to two different word
forms—for example, begin with a noun/subject (“Versatile operations manager”), then begin all other
sentences with a verb (“Delivered … ,” “Led …”). Don’t switch back and forth throughout the paragraph,
and don’t introduce a third form (noun/object) (“Record of achievement in…”).
Before-and-after example:
Before (incorrect)
Senior manufacturing executive with 15 years of success launching and leading manufacturing
facilities in China, the US, and across Asia-Pacific. Track record of turning around poor-
performing operations to increase profitability. Excellent communicator and innovative problem
solver with expertise resolving obstacles of doing business in foreign markets. Proficient in
speaking and conducting business in Mandarin Chinese. Possess MBA in International Marketing.
1) Noun/subject (manufacturing executive)
2) Noun/object (track record)
3) Noun/subject (communicator)
4) Adjective (proficient)
5) Verb (possess)
After – now with parallel structure:
Senior manufacturing executive with 15 years of success launching and leading manufacturing
facilities in China, the US. and across Asia-Pacific. Change agent with track record of turning
around poor-performing operations to increase profitability. Excellent communicator and
innovative problem solver with expertise resolving obstacles of doing business in foreign markets.
Proficient speaker of Mandarin Chinese for business purposes. MBA in International Marketing.
1) Noun/subject (manufacturing executive)
2) Noun/subject (change agent)
3) Noun/subject (communicator)
4) Noun/subject (speaker)
5) Noun/subject (MBA – “I am an MBA”)