your children are not your professional accomplishments by Alison Green on March 16, 2012 You do not want something like this on your resume: Mother of three children: William (born 1992), Kara (born 1994), and Lee (born 1997) Why is it there?!?! Why?! Why?! Get it off, immediately. I do not need to know the names and ages of your children, your pets, or your parents. I need to […] Read the full article →
including skill ratings on your resume by Alison Green on February 16, 2012 A reader writes: Any thoughts on grading yourself on your strengths in a resume? I saw a resume today that included a list of “skills” next to a graphical rating system with a 1-5 grade on how the guy perceived himself in each area, which were all subjective things like critical thinking, creativity, drive and […] Read the full article →
reasons that resume objectives suck #271 by Alison Green on January 13, 2012 All resume objectives are terrible, but here’s our latest don’t-do-this example (courtesy of a reader who came across it): “With the expectation of the progressive environment that uses my skills and opportunity for growth and as a platform for learning and improvement, I would be inclined therefore to a career that reflects my interest.” I’m […] Read the full article →
how can I manage an impending gap in my resume due to caring for my kids? by Alison Green on December 9, 2011 A reader writes: I recently made the decision to resign from my job in order to stay at home with my children. The cost and the lack of consistency with our child care situation has been a huge stressor on our family for a long time now. We are now in a financial position that […] Read the full article →
more things that don’t belong on your resume by Alison Green on September 29, 2011 More things that don’t belong on your resume: * the name of your junior high school * the names of your children and their years of birth * an objective like this: “to obtain a position where I can leverage my skills, knowledge and experience to use proven methodologies for the successful implementation of project […] Read the full article →
things I wish I hadn’t seen on your resume or in your cover letter by Alison Green on August 31, 2011 It’s true that your resume should market your accomplishments, but declaring that you are a “visionary leader” — as I read on two candidates’ resumes recently — is going a bit far. (Besides, if you’re really a visionary leader, I’ll see it in your accomplishments, right?) And “I have a very charismatic personality” is a […] Read the full article →
4 words to remove from your resume by Alison Green on June 23, 2011 “References available upon request.” Do you have this line on the bottom of your resume? If you do, go delete it. Believe me, no one is concerned that you might refuse to provide references upon request. It’s assumed that you will. It’s like saying “phone calls returned upon request.” You have that line there because […] Read the full article →
should recent grads have a resume objective? by Alison Green on June 4, 2011 A reader writes: I am well aware that you do not like resume objectives. However, I read on numerous websites and blogs that you should only include a resume objective if you are a recent graduate or changing careers. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? With that being said, I fall into the […] Read the full article →
Evil HR Lady and I critique a resume by Alison Green on June 2, 2011 Over at BNET today, Suzanne Lucas (the Evil HR Lady) and I critique a real-life resume. Check it out here. Read the full article →
10 mistakes you’re making on your resume by Alison Green on March 28, 2011 Chances are good that you’re making a few of these common mistakes on your resume. How many are you guilty of? 1. Relying on outdated sources of advice. Resume conventions have changed dramatically in the last 20 years. If you’re reading a book that insists you use an objectiveon your resume or that you can’t […] Read the full article →