TMI: The Resume Destroyer

"They say my résumé should be only one page long. Is that correct?"

Not necessarily. Many résumés are rightly two, three, or even more pages in length.

On the other hand, many résumés are far longer than necessary. Carelessly written, they contain "TMI"-"Too Much Information"-and that mind-numbing surplus can damage or destroy a résumé's ability to generate a job interview.

Here are some tips to help you avoid that possibility:

Eliminate "fluff." Some of us use bloated, hackneyed, or empty phrasing that just takes up space. For example, a résumé's objective might say something like "Accomplished Mechanical Engineer seeks an upwardly mobile, challenging position in a growing company." Better: "A continuing career in Mechanical Engineering." Be ruthless in cutting out language that serves no plausible purpose.

Weed out the unnecessary. Few readers enjoy plowing through overly detailed job descriptions on a résumé. Make sure your duties, responsibilities, and achievements are described in only as much detail as necessary.

Avoid "flop-overs." Save space better used elsewhere by rewriting sentences or paragraphs that end with only a few words on the next line or on the next page. Not only will your writing look neater, but you may also save space better used elsewhere.

Downplay old experience. In most cases, the last 10 ? 15 years of our work experience are the most relevant to our next job. Showcase your skills and achievements in that span in as much detail as prudent. Then, shorten earlier job descriptions accordingly.

Use bullets. Use bullets (but not too many) to describe achievements or skill sets because ?

? They often take up less space.
? They allow you to prioritize more easily.
? They grab the reader's attention. (See?)

Use different formatting. Change the top, side, and bottom margins to as little as one half inch if appearance permits. Or reduce the size of your text font to 10 point (but no smaller). Or try using a font like Garamond instead of Times New Roman: it will take up less space. Or try using a condensed font such as Weissach Condensed. A little experimentation will probably yield big results; however, whether you use these suggestions or others, just make sure readability is not harmed.

Delete "References Furnished on Request." Often found at the end of a résumé, the phrase has little importance. If an employer wants references, he will ask for them anyway.

Utilizing the tips above, you may be able to reduce the length of your résumé by a page or more without sacrificing meaning, impact, or readability. In fact, when your copy is clear, concise, and properly formatted, it gives you more space to set forth your skills and achievements in a professional and well-appreciated fashion. Try it-you'll see what I mean!

Pierre Daunic, senior consultant for R.L. Stevens & Associates Inc. (http://www.interviewing.com), a career marketing firm and organization celebrating over 24 years of providing strategic marketing solutions for its clients' career transitioning needs.

---

How To Find A Job Writing Grant Applications

Do you have what it takes to land a job... Read More

Job Interviews: Succeeding with Panel Interviews

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More

My Career is in the Doldrums - Do I Need a Coach or a Therapist?

Is Monday the worst day of your week? Can you... Read More

Successful Job Search: Knocking Out The Competition

Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices... Read More

Why One Word Answers are Bad News at Job Interviews

It takes a lot of time and effort to get... Read More

Moving Without A Job: Should You Move to the Location of Your Dreams and THEN Look for a Job?

Moving without a job will challenge your identity -- but... Read More

How to Use Flow In The Job Search

What is "flow"? Flow as described by the psychology professor... Read More

Get Beyond Your Tasks

Ever hear the story of the two masons working side... Read More

Interpersonal Skill Building -- Yank The Suckers & Weeds

According to the National Gardening Association, suckers are rapidly growing... Read More

We Rejected Your Résumé Today

Hi, I am Mr. Employer.Even though you think I can... Read More

An Unexpected Career Direction

My starting point was how to draw on 25 years... Read More

Telecommuting Interview Tips

Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More

Believe And Get Hired

Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a... Read More

Salary, Raises, & Perks: Negotiate to Get Paid What Youre Worth!

Salary negotiation requires preparation and good timing. It's important to... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

A Career in Image Consulting

You might have seen them while watching TV shows such... Read More

How to Track Your Right Career

Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More

Dynamic Pre-Hiring Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More

Use Job Search Hacks to Get Hired Faster

Job searching alone is like hitchhiking a scary ride with... Read More

Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Believing The Myths!

If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in... Read More

Career Job Satisfaction - Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!

Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!We can... Read More

5 Ways to Combat Job Burnout

Job burnout happens when the stress or prolonged frustration of... Read More

Get Your Dream Job!

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More

Job Interviews: Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A study conducted by the Journal of Consumer Research in... Read More

Career Success: Take Charge of Your Career

People react very differently to the waves of change that... Read More

How to Feel Satisfied in Your Career

Many people turn a beloved hobby into a vocation. They... Read More

Is Your Resume Doing ITS Job?

Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel... Read More

Stripper--Turned--Waitress Cant Leave Former Job Behind

She stretches in the break room for 30 minutes before... Read More

Tips on How to Write High Impact Letters of Recommendation

Congratulations. You've been asked to write a letter of recommendation... Read More

Discontentment in the Workplace

While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are... Read More

Signs of a Healthy Work Environment

There's no denying that a healthy work environment is a... Read More

Focus On White-Collar Crime: Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need; Qualified Investing

An epidemic of white-collar financial crime has resulted in the... Read More

How to Answer The Most Difficult Interview Questions

The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or... Read More