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I realize that this post is right above a post I previously wrote about resume advice.
But here’s the deal: There are some resume guidelines that generally apply to most job seekers (“Proofread your resume for errors”). There is a lot of blog-based resume advice that doesn’t.
When I read bloggers’ recommendations to add fancy graphics to a resume or to disregard the one-page length recommendation, I cringe. Those are individual and industry-specific suggestions. What might fly for a graphic designer will not work for a non-profit professional, and so on.
I read blogs written by those in social media, marketing and other creative or technology-related industries which claim resumes aren’t even necessary anymore because they’ve been replaced by online media. Yet, my office works with over 400 employers a year that say, yes, a resume is still absolutely necessary (for entry-level positions geared toward business majors, that is). Will resumes go away in the future? Probably. But we’re not quite there yet, at least, not in all industries, at all hiring levels. Many students I work with would be grossly under prepared without a resume and would probably not do well with a 3-page resume filled with fancy, colorful graphics, either.
The bottom line is, everything has context. Be sure to consider what perspective a blogger brings to their advice and the industry in which they have the most experience. That’s not to say someone who works in one industry can’t benefit from ideas presented by someone in a completely different industry. Weigh advice from others against what you know to be true about your industry and your own experiences – which, of course, you know best – and tailor those ideas for your specific situation.
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Comments
12.08.09
Kelly,
Great post.
I think that it's fairly obvious that with the internet we are still in the 'wild west' phase, where no one quite knows what is going on. And it is 'cooler' to say things like 'ditch the resume' than to give solid advice like you give here. Especially because it can be easier and more fun to add some fancy graphics to your resume rather than do the harder, and more useful, work of tailoring your resume to the specific situation (which I think means not only industry, but company and position).
12.08.09
Can I ask a resume question? When it comes to the one-page rule, do you essentially just list job titles? Not responsibilities or accomplishments? I think that will be good to know as the market continues to change. As companies streamline, the list of responsibilities may increase (especially if you're carrying three roles in one).
12.08.09
@Aaron Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that we are still in the wild west of internet and really agree about tailoring your resume to company/position, not just industry. It's so important! Thanks for the reminder.
@Emily In my opinion, a resume aways needs accomplishments listed. I would never want to assume an employer will know, just based on job titles, what I achieved. But employers don't need every detail about every accomplishment - just enough information to intrigue the reader enough to want to speak with the applicant. Sometimes, for less relevant experiences or jobs held a long time ago, I will just list employer and job title. Of course, it depends on the industry and position - sometimes the one page "rule" doesn't apply.
12.08.09
@Kelly, thanks! That's good to know. I struggle with the documenting my own work (had a boss literally ask for a report on EVERY item I did), and I still get questions from my students in DC on what they should do. I know a good place to go for future advice!
12.08.09
I definitely think that you have to know your audience before following anyone's direct resume advice. That is absolutely true. I also think that online media has helped to complement resumes in ways that are new and intriguing.
@emily - I struggle with the same problems! I really have a hard time sticking to the one page myself, and I know that a lot of my friends also struggle with this (ex: I had a really great internship 5 years ago. It was eye-opening and taught me a lot. Worth the space?)
great ideas!
12.08.09
What about supplementary information to add on your resume? I know of one advertising firm in Chicago that automatically places you at the top of the list if you have a Twitter account listed on your resume (just the address, nothing fancy or jazzed up). Also, I am friends with a few individuals who have created their own web site to provide more information about experience and achievements that cannot fit on a one page resume.
Are these "additional" forms a good way to help you stand out from the crowd? Or do they just add clutter to your reputation?
12.08.09
The purpose of a resume is to land you an interview. Employers want to see the value you bring to their particular position. Demonstrate your value clearly and early on the resume. If they have to dig for it, you're out.
Follow up and preclude your resume delivery with a phone call. Simply dropping your resume, with fingers crossed, into the quagmire of digital recruitment is a guarantee for a fruitless and frustrating job search.
12.08.09
@Zack - I would definitely consider adding a website (when it's professional in nature, like you described) to a resume so that the reader, if they have time (sometimes that's a big if!) can go there for additional information. Or it might come up in an online search. The Twitter username could also add value, but that depends more on industry/company, I think.
@Jon Good points and a helpful reminder. Making employers dig to understand how you fit the company is never a good thing! I think having a contact to call within the organization helps keep the resume out of the online application black hole, but a cold call could be seen by some HR recruiters as irritating.
12.09.09
Kelly, this post is so valuable because it's about gauging appropriateness - which can also be seen as something that translates into a test by an employer. If you're adaptable, understand the company and get the culture, you'll probably make the right call on a resume (none, one or two pages).
Above all, people have to understand that they've got to do what they feel is indicated by their knowledge of the company and the people. I can't think of anyone trying to hire who wouldn't appreciate a clear, well-written resume and 5-7 samples of work. Even if they only glance through, they've seen your presentation and whether the material is coherent or not. I think that's helpful because images are cumulative - every bit counts.
12.09.09
Marsha, thanks for your comment. I think "gauging appropriateness" is right on. And having a well-written resume, work samples, a professional website can't hurt, even if an employer just gives it a glance or a job seeker doesn't use all those tools all the time.
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