Richman: From the mailbag: Résumé questions
Richman: From the mailbag: Résumé questions
Q: I’d like to write an executive summary to accompany my current résumé. How long should it be and what should it include?
A: A résumé is a summary of your work experience. If you need to write an additional summary, you résumé is too long or too complex to be easily understood by the reader. If you’re having trouble figuring out how to edit or simplify it, summon your courage and get help from someone you know whose writing is crisp, clear and to the point.
Q: I’ve been told by some employers that my résumé is too long and my writing is too technical. My thinking is that if they were experts in my field they would understand the importance of what I am saying and how I’m saying it. How can I be sure to get my résumé in the hands of the right people?
A: The ability to speak and write clearly and understandably is key to professional success. The ability to accept constructive feedback is key to professional development. If you’ve been told that your resume isn’t working for you, take that advice seriously and get help to improve its effectiveness.
Q: I’m a recent college graduate. I don’t have enough experience to fill a one-page résumé. I was an average student. I didn’t belong to any clubs. I wasn’t an athlete. I wasn’t a leader. I did the basics: I attended class, ate, studied and slept. As a result I’m not as competitive on paper as others appear to be. How can I level the playing field?
A: Develop your résumé through your actions: Work part-time jobs, volunteer and get involved in community groups and events that interest you. The more people you meet, the greater your chances of identifying work opportunities where you can add value and feel valued.
Q: What kind of résumé do most employers prefer: the functional or the chronological? And what do I need to include?
A: Employers prefer the reverse chronological résumé that begins with current employment and goes backward. Include the names of companies where you’ve worked, your start and end dates (month and year), your position or title, a very brief description of your responsibilities, and at least three accomplishments per position entry.
Q: Is there anything that is off-limits?
A: If it’s not related to work, don’t include it. References to your age, national origin, sexual orientation, and religious and political affiliations can become distracters that invite unnecessary questions, conjecture and judgment.
Q: Should I include the names and addresses of my references?
A: Wait for the prospective employer to request your reference information. That way you can call your references with a timely heads-up regarding the position and your strong interest in it.
Q: How many years of experience do I need to provide on my résumé? I’m 65 years old. It would take pages to cover all that I’ve accomplished.
A: Use a reverse chronological format that covers the last 15 years of your work history, and provide key accomplishments for each of your positions. Summarize everything else that came before that period of time and aim to get it all done in two pages using 12-point type.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at
6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2.
