Creating a Resume - 4 Quick Questions Answered
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Directly from our Job Search Advice readers we answer 4 of the most commonly asked questions about resume writing.
Q. Where and how should I organize my educational and employment background?
A. If you completed your education less than five years ago, it should be the first section of your resume (after the objective, if you choose to have one). This is also the case if your degree is highly relevant to the position you’re applying for or if you’re degree is over five years old, but you’re trying to re-enter the field in which you are educated. If neither of these is the case, then your work experience should lead off your resume. Work experience should also lead off if you do not hold any college degrees or valuable and relevant certifications.
When deciding how to organize this information, keep in mind what is most important and what you feel a prospective employer needs to know. For work experience, either list your three to five most recent jobs in reverse chronological order OR arrange jobs by relevant job functions.
With educational information, if you hold a college degree, don’t include high school information. If you hold multiple degrees or certifications, list the most recent, followed by the ones that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Q. When is a resume too long?
A. Ideally you’re resume should only be two pages. Employers receive hundreds of resumes and don’t wish to read more than necessary. If you’re not able to provide enough relevant information to make them interested in you on one page, then they most likely won’t get any more interested on any subsequent pages. Employers only want a snapshot, not your autobiography.
However, if you have things like special awards, achievements, publications, procured grants, and other valuable information that you feel HONESTLY adds to your job application, you can include a second page.
Q. Do I include any personal information?
A. Personal information that is not necessary and should NEVER be included height, weight, age, marital status and religious background. In the U.S., it is illegal for employers to request such information.
When it comes to things like hobbies and interests – there’s no purpose including them if they are not related to the job, and even then if an employer really wants to know they’ll ask you during an job interview. Unless you’re in high school and using a resume for college applications, such information adds nothing.
Q. Do I include salary history on my resume?
A. No, not unless they ask. If a prospective employer requires a salary history, it’s best to include it either as an addendum to your resume and cover letter, or in the cover letter itself.
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