Resumes

As a recruiter I have read hundreds of resumes through the years. Many of them are well done, some have minor problems and a few are so poor that they present a serious problem in the hiring process. I suggest that you thoroughly read one of the readily available books on the subject before you even start writing your resume. A professional service is a good option but be careful, some hiring officials want to see the fruit of your own labor.

While this column will hardly scratch the surface, here are some tips that address a few of the pet peeves I have developed from the mountain of resumes I have seen through the years.

· Your present job should be in the present tense.

· Previous jobs should be in the past tense.

· Do not refer to yourself in the third person or use "I"; in a resume "I" is understood.

· Use bullets instead of paragraphs for your responsibilities, it's easier to read.

· Run spell check several times, there is no excuse whatsoever for misspellings.

· Have someone else proofread your work.

· Be meticulous and accurate with all information (work history, job duties, education, etc.). If you falsify anything you risk disaster and it can come back to haunt you long after you get a new job.

· Be brief, the interview is the place to expand on your accomplishments.

· Write in English ... avoid using acronyms. Don't say, "Served on the NOC project team to redesign the TLD network for the MIHG group of ZZNHJ products."

· If you have a technical summary list only the hardware and software that you have significant experience with. A list of dozens of products will raise questions and cast doubt.

· Be consistent in how you organize and describe your accomplishments. Start each entry with an action word ... designed, implemented, managed, directed, etc.

· Double check beginning and ending dates. If there are overlaps or other easily misunderstood timeframes consider adding a concise explanation.

· Keep your resume to one page if you are a new graduate unless you are a non-traditional student and have work experience. If you have extensive work history, it's OK for your resume to go to two pages. However, I have seen very few resumes of more than two pages that were well done.

Tom Whitley and the staff of Management Recruiters of Kannapolis, specialize in recruiting information systems, telecommunications, and networking professionals at both the technical and managerial levels. If you are interested in discussing career opportunities, if you need assistance with your recruiting efforts, or if you have comments about the Career Advisor contact Tom at tomwhitley@vnet.net.

Write a resume, not a job description
Network World, 7/20/98

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