Once you have written your Career Summary (see my blog, “Anatomy of a Resume…getting started”), it is time to present your work history and academic credentials. New college graduates with little or no work experience will want to list formal education next, however, if you are an experienced professional, your formal education should follow your work history. In either case, no dates…it is more information than an employer needs.
When listing work history begin with the most recent employer and work backwards. List the company, position(s), responsibilities and accomplishments. Use the “responsibilities/accomplishments” format for each position held with a specific employer. Responsibilities and accomplishments are not the same thing and both are vital to creating an effective description of your experience.
I hear the question often…”How much experience should I list?” Most companies today consider the past five to ten years of work history when evaluating an applicant. This is a marked change from the past when companies considered much earlier experience. It is really up to you as to how much history you provide, but, remember, too much information can compromise your professional image as seriously as not enough. One exception, you may have to go back further if you worked for one employer for many years.
It is critical to remember, the purpose of a resume is to land the interview. Sometimes providing too much information can be counter productive. Employers know that more experienced people generally cost more plus they may be intimidated by someone who holds more experience than necessary for a given position. So don’t let a door close before you get past square one…again, less is more. Once in the interview you have the chance to distinguish yourself and your capabilities and you are certainly free to discuss earlier experience.
After you have presented your work history and formal education, add any special skills which you know are important to the job and then STOP.
A well written resume should run two pages. You can create a masterpiece of rambling work history, but it is likely to wind up in the reject pile…remember, most employers do not have the time or interest to read pages of text. Decisions on viable candidates are made quickly and are usually based on fairly recent experience.
The good news is that a well written resume can open doors for you … take the time…do it right!
Are you struggling to write or revise your resume? ……… Do you have a resume you are proud of, has it opened doors for you? Talk to me… I can help. Norma Sweeny
