Comments on Fishdogs: Top 10 Things to Leave OFF of Your Resume

...why go to the trouble? says usesbigwords. Beca...

2011-11-19T18:33:25.055-06:00

...why go to the trouble? says usesbigwords.

Because most educated readers are likely to be put off by simple spelling and punctuation errors (not content) proofreaders look for. Such readers are likely to see those errors as indicating further problems: "If he or she can't spell or punctuate properly, what other failings does that suggest, and why should I have confidence in what I'm being told?"

I guess it depends on whether you want to hire rob...

2011-11-01T12:23:49.777-05:00

I guess it depends on whether you want to hire robots or people.

How about this for laser focus?

Bob Saget - Capable of performing job functions as outlined in listing. Able to align work goals with overall company and departmental strategy.

That's it...nothing more needed.

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing. I remind job see...

2010-07-06T09:21:58.000-05:00

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing. I remind job seekers to think of their resume as their primary marketing "brochure" and encourage them to think from the perspective of what their target audience needs to hear while remaining true to their Unique Value Proposition. In this job market it is ESSENTIAL to differentiate from the next resume in the stack!

Just like a company or product sells itself to consumers by answering "this is how our products/services makes your life/job easier/better," a job seeker's resume must answer "What's in it for me if I hire you?" for potential employers. I've worked with several client in revamping their resumes from a list of job duties and responsibilities (yawn) to a document rich with accomplishments, selling their strengths in employers' terms and showing value by giving quantifiable results of previous work.

Thanks for the great list, Craig. I am curious (f...

2009-05-01T07:50:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the great list, Craig. I am curious (from you and others) about #7: No photos. I have heard this for years...and totally agree. We don't this to become a beauty contest instead of a job search. But I'm hearing so much chatter these days about VIDEO RESUMES and that concerns me. As a "seasoned" professional (that's one of those words we should never use in our resume, btw) I think it sets us up for failure...unless we look like George Clooney in addition to be incredible at what we do. I also think it puts the employer at risk of discrimination...though who would ever know? Any thoughts?

Bill, in Dallas

Interesting that J. recommends a proofreader to Cr...

2009-04-29T20:16:00.000-05:00

Interesting that J. recommends a proofreader to Craig. I actually found the content quite easy to follow, and didn't have to reread a single phrase or sentence to make sense of it. As bloggers are rarely going for a Pulitzer prize in literature, and as long as there are no glaring errors that make the content difficult then why go to the trouble? This advice would be more aptly directed at job seekers to apply to their resumes, where spelling errors or poor grammar may count against them in the selection process.

This is a good top ten list for anyone currently s...

2009-04-29T11:42:00.000-05:00

This is a good top ten list for anyone currently seeking employment. I receive 3-5 resumes a week right now from people actively seeking work in the technology field and lay-out/content has clearly evolved over the years. Objective statements really are (usually) a waste of valuable space.

Your point in knowing what to not place on a resume can not be overemphasized enough. A few thoughts came to mind that merit mention as I suspect others in a hiring role may feel the same way:

1.) Try to use one page resumes. Seldom do I read past the first sheet regardless of experience. 2.) Use bullets instead of paragraphs and provide a quick snapshot for further discussion during an interview instead of long-winded detail. 3.) Show results. In the bullet list, explain how it helped your company with a specific example or use real figures. i.e. Developed new software program that improved productivity in accounting by over 23% and reflects annual savings of more than two million dollars for their operation. 4.) Lastly, don't put down on your resume that you like something when you don't. This happens a lot. Applicants can't be all things to all people and they will be happier focusing on what keeps them excited about going to work.

Great comments all. I should stipulate here that ...

2009-04-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

Great comments all. I should stipulate here that there are exceptions to each of these suggestions. Especially the larger list. These are general suggestions. The only thing I can't ever see a need for including in your resume is Dungeons and Dragons :)

It's been a while since I've written a res...

2009-04-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've written a resume', but I find that I'm in agreement with you list. Especially, in agreement with the number 1 item. Let's face it, what you're looking for is *that specific job* so why not be specific and address how you would be the best fit for it. A resume', like any sales pitch, should emphasize benefits you offer to the employer. Focus should be on meeting the need, not tooting the horn. One would probably benefit more learning from a great copywriter rather than a resume book.

I agree with almost all of this. EXCEPT: if someon...

2009-04-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

I agree with almost all of this. EXCEPT: if someone is recently out of school (2 years or less) I want their major gpa listed. Also, I always want months of employment. People try to hide work gaps by just listing years

Great list, just the thought about leaving off lon...

2009-04-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

Great list, just the thought about leaving off long gaps of time or things that Dwight Schrute from The Office would do. I think your comment of keeping it relevant is best.

Dwight: For your convenience, I've broken it down into three parts: professional resume, athletic and special skills resume, and Dwight Schrute trivia. Of course martial arts training is relevant.

twitter.com/tefman

Nice post. I've helped several recent grads re...

2009-04-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

Nice post. I've helped several recent grads revise their resumes. Most are too long and just have too much information. I'd say anything that looks or feels like filler should be removed, immediately. Just that, and focus on specific examples that translate to great stories for interviews and follow-ups.

Good stuff. I agree with all the experts! And la...

2009-04-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

Good stuff. I agree with all the experts! And laser-tuned focus is essential to a resume. The key information should jump off the page, not be lost in a sea of uselss information. Just ask yourself, what is it that the reader needs to know to make a good decision about your qualifications. How does knowing your age, weight, SAT score, and hobbies help in this process? Simply said: it doesn't.