Ask a Manager

A reader writes: I was wondering what your opinion is on professional resume writing services. Are they worth it? What about for new grads? I have 5 years of post0secondary (a degree with a semi-connection to my current field, and a diploma directly connected to my current field) concurrent with 6 years of experience. Some […]

Please, for the love of god, do not put large paragraphs of text on your resume. People looking at your resume are going to skim it on the first pass. They are not going to read it word-for-word, and they are more likely to see what you want them to see if you use bullet […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]