Everyone has a different view of what to include in their own resume’. Screening candidates for over twenty years, I have a format that I recommend to my candidates that is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
First, a resume should be no longer than 2 pages, not including reference information. Resumes that are in excess of 2 pages, tend to give more information than required. Keep in mind, the purpose of a resume’ is to get a meeting, not to completely tell the viewer everything you have ever done.
The look of the resume is very important. It should be in a easy to read typeface that is universal for all readers. Extremely decorative fonts may be nice for the viewer, but difficult to read for the potential client. The format of the document should be suitable for copying or faxing. Avoid screens of color or ink, they don’t reproduce well and the viewer will not be able to see all of your work. Use at least 12 point type on all of the body copy. Headings should be bold and slightly larger for emphasis.
Here are the elements I look for in a good resume’: An Objective statement, Hardware/Software skills, Educational background, Work History, Awards & Honors, and References.
Objective
An objective statement should communicate to the viewer your intent for your next career move. Sometimes objectives are listed in a cover letter. This can be okay, but quite often a cover letter may become separated from the main document and the resume’ can be misconstrued. Usually a couple of sentences are enough. It should be direct enough to make your vision clear, but not so detailed as to the specifics of company, one goal position desired, or give any impression of inflexibility.
Hardware/Software
Everyone should list the types of computer systems they are familiar with as well as the specific software they have “hands-on” experience. The ideal list will be sorted from expert to least experience.
Educational Background
A complete listing of your professional training is essential. It is not necessary to list the actual year of completion, but it is critical to list the field of accomplishment or training. Continuing education is good if it is pertinent to your individual career path.
Work History
The work history is probably the most important area. The job history should be from current job back to previous jobs. There should be no gaps in the history. If you have freelanced in between positions, you should show that work history from the date it began to current. If a job lasted for 6 months or less it is not wise to list it. I would show the time as a contractual period for simplicity. Some people will truncate or shorten their work history to the last 10 years. I prefer to see all work history. You can keep the details brief, but it can be very misleading in an initial assessment if you do not include the complete picture. You may be considered for a more junior position due to an assumption formed by your resume’. Some people are concerned about being discriminated against due to their age. I personally see it as an asset, not a liability. I do find it deceptive if a candidate neglects to incorporate a large portion of their career in an attempt to compete with a younger crowd. The listings should show start date and completion date. Avoid listing every position change or promotion within a company, by the date it happened. It can lengthen the resume’ and it is excessive. Tell me about your rise to prominence in brief detail. You should list the position titles, but show the entire company history. In some cases it is important to list the reason for departure. This information, however, is usually addressed in a face-to-face interview.
Awards & Honors
Achievements are important to list. Keep in mind they are irrelevant if they do not apply to your career path.
References
It is okay to provide references as an attachment or at the time of an interview.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Thanks, Larry, for your expert suggestions. I’m wondering now about your take on incorporating “key accomplishments” or “results” into the body of the resume. Several career coaches have urged me to do this, but my resume is starting to read like the Great American Novel. Perhaps just a select few accomplishments will do?
One more question: As a writer, editor, and communications project manager, I can’t usually quantify the results of my work. I have plenty of anecdotal evidence that what I do is valued and valuable, but just can’t provide the numbers. Is that okay?
January 6th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
The size 12 body font is questionable. For one thing, some size 12 fonts are larger than others. For another, a size 12 font I think looks gargantuan and will seriously limit how much content to squeeze in a two page resume. Aside from that, it was a great article.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:49 am
This article once again showcases that just about every “resume expert” has different opinions on what makes a good resume. Nice article, really, but I think the one universal thread between all expert opinions is KISS (keep it simple stupid). Keep the info coming, though, I really enjoyed reading it.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Dear Larry,
I think you may have good insight from reviewing so many resumes over the years. Perhaps you can help me decide how to present a checkered job history. I have tried to run a business how for more than 10 years as a BTB art service. For some reason, I have been passed-over time after time when applying for positions and/or free lance work from staffing-agencies. The longest I ever held a job was for 3 years, but that was 25 years ago. Some of my best experience is 30 years ago. Is that too far back to go for work history. Can that experience still be relevant?
January 7th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the comment. I have used 10 and 12 point copy and for most fonts like Arial and Times, I find the 12 point to be easily legible and clear for most people. I get comments from HR and hiring managers who complain that they don’t want to have to put on their reading glasses in order to screen a resume. If that is what it takes, they set it aside. Just an opinion here.
All the best,
Larry
Thanks for the comment Ricardo. I am very aware of the “KISS” principle and it definitely holds true.
We appreciate your interest and response.
Larry
Hi Paul,
Thanks for responding.
30 years of history is valuable, but to many in today’s market, work history that goes too far back is seen as outdated and out of touch. If the history was something that transcends time (such as created presentation that went before Congress or National ad campaign for McDonald’s that included tag “You Deserve a break today”)definitely include it. Other than that example, focus on the points that showcase your current technical skills and work history. That will show you as a viable candidate who is on top of things in the marketplace.
Larry
January 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Thank you Margaret for your comments and interest.
In response to your question, keeping a resume “short and sweet” makes a lot of sense. However, if there is a VERY specific achievement that is relevant to the company you are seeking to interview with, it should be incorporated. Avoid regurgitating every single accomplishment. People will get bored and see you as cocky. Remember, the resume is to get you in the door, not fill the job for you. Save a few specific details for your meeting that are relevant to the discussion. Your presentation and personality in a face to face meeting will be what closes the deal.
Secondly, measured results will get an employers attention, but if you don’t have the hard data, you can use comments like-
“Increased sales goals by 20-50% over previous results”
“grew the bottom line volume by more than double”
“Decreased cost to client by controlling previous expenses”
It is the “buzz” words more than the specific details that will jump out.
All the best,
Larry
January 8th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Larry, All great advice, thank you. How would you suggest parents re-entering the workforce after staying home to take care of young children address the recent gap in their professional experience?
January 8th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Larry,
All great advice, thank you!I have a few questions that I feel are my low points on my resume:
- I’ve worked in a few known companies but in some countries they are so small that some things just can be measured. I just can say “the xy product launched lead to xx% of grouth” - how can I handle that?
- I understand a few recruiters don’t feel interested on resumes with shorter experiences. In my case, all of them are good experiences,but but shorter because at that time, due to the september 11th, companies started ofering temporary jobs. How can I let make the resume atractive?
January 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hi Barbara,
My preference is that you handle it honestly and directly. Don’t hide it or see it as a fault. Today’s workplace is not the same as our parent’s time. If one of the parents steps out of the workplace to be there for young children, it is not seen as out of the norm. The key thing any employer will focus on is whether your skills and experience are still fresh and relevant. If you’ve done various projects or consulting during that time it will help fill in the gap. Bottom line, be upfront.
Larry
January 9th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Hi Edna,
Without seeing the full resume, I’ll make an attempt to answer your questions.
Whenever I see shorter more consultant periods on a resume, I encourage people to “hit the high notes”, that is, Company- brief description of what was delivered- and how long the relationship lasted. Nothing more is required.
Most of us, including employers, understand that the market as not been the same since the late 90’s and 2001. Consulting, for many, is all that has been available. Treat the information as a client snapshot from your personal business.
Larry