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The
Dangers of Resume Overkill
Nearly everything
written about resume design concentrates on what you should put
in. But let's look at what should be left out, or at least minimized.
Item
#1: Salary history or salary requirements.
I've never heard one good reason to mention your past, current,
or expected salary. If you see a classified ad that says, "Only
resumes with salary history will be considered," don't believe
it. If your resume is strong enough, you'll be contacted. Once contacted,
be forthright.
Item
#2: References.
If you have high-impact or well known professional references, fine.
Otherwise, "References: Available Upon Request" will do
just fine. Avoid personal references like your minister or your
attorney, unless they happen to be Billy Graham or Sandra Day O'Connor.
Item
#3: Superfluous materials.
When submitting a resume, avoid enclosing such items as your thesis,
photos, diplomas, transcripts, product samples, newspaper articles,
blueprints, designs, or letters of recommendation. These are props
you can use during your interview, but not before. The only thing
other than your resume that's acceptable is your business card.
Item
#4: Personal information.
Leave out anything other than the absolute essentials such as, "Married,
two children, willing to relocate, excellent health." By listing
your Masonic affiliation, save-the-whales activism or codependency
support group, you could give the employer a reason to suspect that
your outside activities may interfere with your work.
Not long ago,
I received a resume from a candidate who felt the need to put his
bowling average on his curriculum vita. The person must have thought
that kind of information might improve his chances of being interviewed.
Given the choice, would I show his resume to an employer? Not a
chance.
Remember, the
greater the relevancy between your resume and the needs of the employer,
the more seriously your candidacy will be considered. Say what you
need to get the joband nothing more.
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