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Posted by: Theresa
In response to Bob's comment posted on 05/15/11...I just want to say AMEN! No matter what's on your resume, in most cases is WHO you know. So I'm focusing on networking as well as the contents of my resume.
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Posted by: Shawn D
I've seen & read countless articles that address what "not" to include in your resume but, I yet to come across even one that details "what to include." That is of course, until you commit to using their resume services! What a scam! If you really want to come off as impressive, offer 2-3 helpful hints that will actually generate a response (like an initial call) for us frustrated job-seekers. That is if you are genuinely trying to assist people in locating applicable employment and not trying to profit off of others misfortune of unemployment.
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Posted by: Lauren S.
How do you know to whom to address the cover letter if you don't have any way to find out who will be looking over your resume?
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Posted by: Marc T.
Great concise article. I am curious, however, what are your opinions on resume writing services (typically $250-700) and/or employment marketing services (typically $6000 for resumes, cover letters, targeted searches, website design, etc.)?
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Posted by: Heather M.
Working for a personnel agency we always recommended resumes of one to two pages and did recommend not exceeding three pages. We never used objective except on student resumes. This was in '80's and 90 percent of clients were easy placements. Senior engineers were the biggest problem and apprentices worked for them very well.
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Posted by: Bob
A resume is a bunch of crap. I'm working on a system where resumes will be a thing of the past. Grooming a person for the position is more important than fluff on a piece of paper. There are so many people today with wonderful resumes who are incompetent at there jobs. Screening people out of work is part of the problem with today's economy when we should be finding every possible way to get people employed.
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Posted by: Joanna
Thank you for a great article. In today's job market it is about showing your specific value to the employers needs. A great way to convey that (and sell yourself) is through a job proposal. Making a connection between a individuals skills and a employers needs it KEY!
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Posted by: Saiful I.
I am thankful for this useful information.
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Posted by: Parmeesh K.
I need some guidance for effective I.T - Hardware and Networking Resume for the profile of System/Network Admin or Engg. with a experience of more than 4.5 years. If you can, kindly provide me a format with a catchy objective. Thanks
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Posted by: Leonard
What will help is if you can mention any award, sales goals, sales increases for the years you have worked at certain jobs.
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Posted by: John H.
Great article. I have two separate sheets listing references and will give them only when specifically asked to. As far as the degree myth,yes you must not falsify that you have one. I have a masters degree. I have been told to not mention that you have one unless it is in field for which you are applying or is a necessary qualification. I have also been told that don't say that you have one when you don't, but not the other way around. All of the other myths I agree with.
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Posted by: Ajoy
This article is extremely important for me. For the last couple of years I have sent my resume to several places and have gotten no response. I am looking for a professional person who can fixed up my resume. Do you know any body? & how much they charge.
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Posted by: JoblessSeeker
Nonsense. The very notion that "the problem" lays in the candidates hands is far too convenient for a broken staffing industry that now screens candidates based on their consumption of degrees and certifications, instead of their proven ability. So, in reality, the "recruiting industry" has become a front-end sales engine for academia - and NOTHING else. In reality, if you are not dealing with the hiring executive at the company you want to work with - you have NO IDEA who you're dealing with and what their actual business model is. So, deal directly with companies that intake applications using THEIR software, not some middleman web-based resume collection site. Last of all, work your friends and family for a job - otherwise - you'll NEVER get hired (statistically improbable.)
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Posted by: Cliff G.
Most HR professionals are members of SHRM and they drink the same Kool-aid --- unless you have been referred, their job is to pick apart your resume and find just one discrepancy where they can eliminate you from further consideration. So go back and re-read Myth 2 and don't give any false information on your resume.
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Posted by: T. Gough
Excellent. This really defines things for me. In the future if I have to submit a resume, I will be sure to cater it specifically to any jobs I apply for and try to be as objective and professional as possible. :)
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Posted by: mamajana
Not true, Mickey L. Employers can say anything they want during reference checking as long as it's true. However, if it is negative, the applicant might still seek legal redress. As long as what's been said is not malicious it's OK, but most employers, me included, don't want to go through the hassle so we just give name, rank, serial number. Of course you leave yourself open to a lawsuit if there truly is something a potential employer needs to know, you don't report it, and they hire the person. For example, if the person was caught stealing, was fired for cause for sexual harassment or worse, etc.
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Posted by: James S.
Thank you for posting these I agree totally. Not to long ago I had my resume evaluated and actually I did pretty good. There were only 2 things they pointed out: 1) was that I should highlight my current achievements more, which I thought I was doing, and 2) was "Don’t use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person references. A resume is a formal document in which convention calls for you to eliminate the use of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person references. A resume that is well put together shows professionalism and an understanding of appropriate word choice" What do you think of this rule? I've heard this before, but I'd really like to get your take on it. Thanks, James.
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Posted by: Mark S.
Trying to fit Human Resources and Operations Manager on one resume leads to 3 pages. Would it be simpler to have two resumes? One for each? I have 25+ years of Retail Management with Human Resources. How do you write 1 resume for all that experience?
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Posted by: RAINYDAY
I've been advised by employment dept. not to put dates on my resume due to my age but like Gary said they post applications that ask for these making it impossible to submit without filling those dates. I know it's ageism.
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Posted by: Gary
What do you do if the online application asks for the date you graduated and won't let you go to the next page unless you answer the question? If you tell the truth, you run the high risk of being disqualified because of your age. Same thing goes for the degree question. I went to one of the highest rated colleges in the country. However, they didn't offer a degree until a few years after I graduated. It kind of forces you to lie to stay in the running.
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Posted by: Kirill
To Janet M:Ask a friend to pose as a potential employer looking for a reference and have him/her call your former employer.
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Posted by: Jack
Myth 1. Senior executives get hired by senior executives. Tech people get hired by tech personnel, etc. Everyone doesn't go through HR. Additionally, it all depends on the position your for which you are applying. Getting to the immediate point of the qualification is key. A quick glance at your resume is the best your going to get.
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Posted by: M P Stewart
I see you have summarized what I have done on mine. Makes me feel like a leader. I gave up on the one page resume years ago. At this point, I find that some employers are going to want style one - so I am one of the few people who has the Job Skills section first, a summary of contacts - interests - phone number - email and other personal information - and in my case there is some one saying my birth name is "Missus" and the hubby's name. So I added that section to clarify. Then the alternative profile methods after. One - a one page summary of employers - a section using the traditional employment application form (that runs to five pages - the work is pretty seasonal since '88), and a short form resume with recap of just the highlights. And then a section listing the employers by type and period of time, over two years, under three months, to sort it out. I finally added a point - two days, reason, one day, name of employer and reason - but I do feel like leaving out two. One or two that didn't give me a check, and one where to explain that the Campus Bookstore Manager stole a hundred dollars out of the till that I checked - I don't tip the money out any more than sugar out of a sugar bag, or flour out of a flour bag. No way to deal with that. And since Dad's a judge, grandpa, other two grandpas, one offered and one just a lawyer, and since I was a bonded cashier, not just a cashier - it's hard to handle that tactfully. Although I could have said, finding that the cashier for the prior day was short - it could have been going on for two weeks, I suppose...I always left it out just because. The other ideas I put in already. Glad you like it.
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Posted by: Cecelia
Quite useful. I reviewed my resume while reading this, and fortunately, the Job Source here in OH has helped me to prevent these common errors.
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Posted by: ken
Myth 2.Agreed that you should never lie about your degrees, school, etc. This is a relatively easy fact to check. If a person lies about a degree and is later terminated that is fair and reasonable. However, I would like to point out that NO recruiter or HR person would EVER discuss any experiences that reveal actual names. Discussion by any employee of any company related matters and details that would not already be common knowledge to outsiders is usually prohibited by signed agreements between employee and employer. Employees should NEVER post anything job related on any social networking sites.
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Posted by: David D.
I have been employed for over 20+ years and I know the rules of hiring practices have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. I could use your help. Is this service expensive?
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Posted by: Sam J.
Useful information, Thanks!
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Posted by: Roy L.
Thank you! The information given was very helpful.
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Posted by: Pamela F.
Very helpful information
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Posted by: samuel
Thanks so much for the exposure and enlightenment.Now i know the real rudiment to have the best and acceptable resume anywhere and anytime.
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Posted by: Richard
Nidal, I went to my local job service and had one of their representatives read my resume. It was very helpful. I also plan on using them for interviewing practice. that is what they are there for.Janet M, I think it is helpful that when you contact someone to ask for permission to use them as a reference to discuss your accomplishments and your strengths during the time you worked together. If you made mistakes when you worked together, explain how you have learned from those mistakes and the ways you have grown and changed.
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Posted by: Marlene D.
I especially agree with the admonition not to falsify a degree. As an HR exec, I have seen people fired once this was discovered.
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Posted by: Cal
One other Very important point to include, unless you have held 2 lengthy jobs back to back, do not show more than 10 years of employment on your resume because employers who see 25 years of experience will know and reject your application because of your age. A true but ugly situation.
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Posted by: Steve T.
Struggling small business owner. Laid off two years ago and attempted to start a new business within my industry of 30 years. (Automatic Identification and Data Collection - AIDC)I'm considering entering the work force again but have some limitations such as lack of formal degree. Although I've been focused on sales / sales management my real abilities remain on the technical side of technology supporting the use of bar code symbols.Need ideas for reconstructing my resume for today's market. I would appreciate your comments.PS.. your comments within the "Top Five Resume Myths Exposed" were very helpful but I now realize I need fresh ideas and new approaches to communicate my true worth.
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Posted by: ken
Awesome
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Posted by: Thad S.
Excellent comments, having worked in recruiting and the outplacement field for over 16 years I know your information is on point.
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Posted by: mia
Where can you find a professional resume writer who can take all of your information and put it into resume saavy order and language?
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Posted by: Vance M.
After 35 years as a professional I've heard them all before and for the most part follow them. But it's always nice to be reminded
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Posted by: Rich R.
So-called "Myths" #s 2 and 4 are frankly not myths at all.
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Posted by: Raffie S.
Excellent point about appendices.; shows creativity
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Posted by: Tim S.
Good advice here. Why aren't we taught to sell ourselves before we leave school?
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Posted by: Nannette T.
Most helpful and reassuring as I agree with your suggestions.
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Posted by: Johnny J.
Very helpful information, this info should be sent out to every college and university because many of school job counselors are in the mind set on using only a one page resume and nothing else. Many times a 2 page resume is needed to sell yourself to employers.
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Posted by: Mickey L.
Janet N. former employers "legally" can only tell, The dates you were employed, if you are rehirable, and how much you were paid.
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Posted by: Yogesh D.
Very interesting and useful. Will adopt in my future approaches.
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Posted by: Fidel G.
Article very useful!
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Posted by: Clark Y.
I would add one more: it is imperative to pay an individual or company big bucks to get a professional resume written.
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Posted by: NP
Besides a person never had a job, I know only of two applicants that could have a one page resume namely: Lee Iacocca and Bill Gates, well maybe the Pope.
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Posted by: Bill S.
Those suggestions are all beneficial. I'd like to add one. Google each employer before you send them a resume. This will help you tailor your resume to their needs, and it will allow you to more easily define what you can do for their company.
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Posted by: Bob R.
RE: References - Most employers direct you to submit the application online and have a place where you can download the resume. What I find disheartening is that you are typing in your resume as part of the application including the references. But this was a big help and encouragement
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Posted by: Paul A.
Thank you for that information, I need all the help I can get.
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Posted by: Michael B.
Too often, I find resume counselors try to shoehorn your experience into their school of thought, often with disastrously frustrating results. FINALLY! A breath of fresh air, accompanied by a good dose of common sense.
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Posted by: HARSHAD D.
Myth: 1: I am in agreement with you. I have recently changed to 2 or 3 pages. What will be the ideal font size?Myth: 2: Don't gamble with your education. Myth: 3: It must have objective.Myth: 4: Not necessarily.Myth: 5: I agree. Resume should nearly match the job description. It requires good tactics to change the course.Thanks.Harshad
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Posted by: Trudie
Janet M, Have a friend call as a potential employer, I know it sounds sneaky, but it is really the only way to find out if you are getting a fair and accurate review.
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Posted by: Maria L.
Great pointers! Would help a lot of us currently in transition.
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Posted by: Dean M.
Janet M, to answer your question there are services out there that will call and verify your references for you then send you a report on their responses.
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Posted by: Cochise
I think the tips are concise and straight to the point. However, I disagree with providing the references along with your resume. Experience has taught me if an employer is interested, he/she will follow up with you after an interview.
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Posted by: Aliya M.
Great information. I have often been told by my colleagues that my resume of 2 pages was too long. I have stood my ground and feel better knowing that I have supplied employers with sufficient, pertinent information about my experience.
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Posted by: Larry R.
When the application asks you if they can contact your previous supervisor at your last job, what should you do? I have always been told that your previous supervisor was not allowed to say anything negative to the request from another organization when a request is made. On the other hand, if you answer no to that question, to me it looks like you have something to hide from them.
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Posted by: Rishi T.
Very help. I totally agree with you. Great help.
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Posted by: Poonam S.
Very useful. One of the few really useful articles I've read on resume writing.
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Posted by: Janet M
Stephen W.How do you find out what a reference is saying about you? Especially a former employer?
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Posted by: Nidal
I am thinking of having my resume reviewed by a professional; but he is going to charge me a lot of money. Is it possible to help me find somebody that first can determine whether my resume needs any modifications (grade my resume on a scale from 1 to 10) before I spend a lot of money for nothing?Thank you
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Posted by: Liz
thanks..awesome advice for a recent college grad!!
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Posted by: David K.
Very helpful, some of it I've heard before but it is nice to see it in a more public view.
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Posted by: ILANGO R.
Surely all the points mentioned in the article count. Superb!
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Posted by: Stephen W.
"At the touch of a button, HR managers across the country can discuss their experiences."My dad was an HRM and told me that most employers do NOT speak negatively about specific individuals outside of an organization, or do so very carefully, as it opens them up for slander. Even if called for a reference, the worst he would say is that the employee did an OK or moderate job.
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Posted by: Maria
True, true true. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. Finally, common sense that will land the desired job in dollars & sense. I've never considered one-page resumes for executive positions, nor have I ever ruled out resumes, (content appropriate) because they were longer than 2-pages.
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Posted by: Don H.
This article was very helpful. It underscored some of my own beliefs while introducing me to other areas where I had succumbed to the 'myth'.
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Posted by: George D.
Very good comments! What do you charge to rewrite a resume?
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Posted by: Patrice
Very informative. Thanks!
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Posted by: Rogers G.
I can pat myself on the back--I already don't believe any of the myths. For number four, I'd add not to even mention that you have references. If they are interested in you, they'll ask for them.
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Posted by: Regina D.
great - helpful!!!
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