Louise Fletcher writes about the problems of trying to write a resume that pleases everyone, specifically the one page resume crowd that went out of style sometime in the early 90's. She suggests using common sense when you get resume advice (like keeping your resume to one page.
I think you have to apply the common sense test. Ask yourself, does that actually make sense? Does it really make sense to apply an arbitrary page limitation to the hiring process? Is that truly the best way to find the most suitable people for the vacant positions?
If the answer is no, as it is in this case, then you can bet that most other companies are not acting that way. And if you change your resume from 2 pages to 1 page just to suit the crazy people, you're actually losing out on opportunities at all the other organizations.
Now that's solid resume advice, but that what's you're going to get from Louise, who writes them for a living. So what should you put in your resume? Information that is useful, says Tiffany from Magic Pot of Jobs. (click on the link for her full description)
-Give me complete information.
- Make sure that I can actually get your contact information from the message.
- Tell me who/what referred you.
- Be articulate and use proper English.
And a little bit of snark, some would call it truthiness, she throws in for you at the end.
One other thing, while we’re on the topic of priorities. While I do need to talk to job seekers in order to fill my open jobs and in that way our priorities are aligned, your job search is never going to be as high priority to ME as it is to YOU. After all, it’s your paycheck at stake, not mine.
Tiffany doesn't waste her breath on pleasantries that aren't going to help you. It's why she's a more effective recruiter than the person who smiles and nods and tells you they are working really hard for you.
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