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What to leave out of a resume
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The process of editing your resume is not always an easy one. If you're having difficulty paring down your document to a page or two (as is customary), take a step back and look at it from the perspective of a prospective employer.
For instance, does a hiring manager really need to know that kayaking is your favorite hobby? Is it necessary to include eight bullet points about a job you held a decade ago? Will your college grade point average be impressive now that you've been in the workforce for several years? Ask yourself what information will truly capture a hiring manager's attention and only include those details.
The following candidates failed to prune extraneous points from their resumes:
"INTERESTS: Face painting."
She's either a cosmetologist or a clown.
"HOBBIES: Playing chess. (It's the only time you can attack someone with a horse and not get arrested.)"
We'll stick with backgammon.
"INTERESTS: Family, friends and sports. Oddly enough, I also kind of enjoy working sometimes."
Your passion for the job is overwhelming.
Instead of detailing their top skills and biggest strengths, some job candidates inexplicably use valuable resume space to call attention to the attributes they don't possess. To wit:
"SPECIAL SKILLS: I do not steal."
We'll take the padlock off the supply closet.
"SKILLS: Won't hold grudges."
A compassionate co-worker.
COVER LETTER: "I am definitely not altruistic."
So you're not interested in pro bono work?
COVER LETTER: "I will show up on time, and I won't embezzle money. (Just kidding.)"
Which part are you kidding about?
Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm. His most recent book is Human Resources Kit For Dummies.
