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Jewish World Review April 25, 2001 / 3 Iyar, 5761

Resumania by Max Messmer

Max Messmer
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Consumer Reports


Don't put too many details on resume

http://www.jewishworldreview.com -- "EDUCATION: Grammer school diploma."

Aside from the spelling error, this resume illustrates a common mistake job seekers make when applying for jobs. Often they include too much detail about their academic backgrounds - from completion of elementary school to university degrees. As a general rule, if you have graduated from college, there is no need to also list the high school and middle schools you attended unless they are relevant to the job, e.g., High School for the Performing Arts.

Here are some additional examples:

"EDUCATION: Ph.D. in business administration. Master plumber's license from the state of Texas."

Depending on the job this individual is applying for, he might want to choose one or the other to include on his resume.

"EDUCATION: Graduated from high school with a 'B' average, placing me fourth in my class. (It should be noted, however, that there were only 6 students in my class.)"

Give her an "A" for honesty.

"EDUCATION: Attended the University of Miami from 1889 to 1993."

That's one tough curriculum.

"EDUCATION: University of Georgia. Graduated with high honors with concentration in economics and industrial engineering. Varsity heavyweight boxing champion."

In other words, I'm smart and have a mean left hook.

"EDUCATION: Class valedictorian in the school of hard knocks."

"EDUCATION: B.A. degree in fine arts. Did not belong to a fraternity."

We won't hold it against you.

"EDUCATION: Although I do not have much formal education, I have learned a lot just by being with my wife who is working on her MBA."

Is she available for an interview?

"EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: High school was an incredible experience."

How has the business world treated you?

And, finally:

"EDUCATION: Was voted most likely to succeed in my graduating high school class. Events beyond my control got in the way of fulfilling that promise."


Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of Job Hunting for Dummies. Comment by clicking here.


Up

04/11/01: Resume spelling 'oopses!'
04/04/01: Avoid temptation to put personal details on resume
03/29/01: Resume mistakes
03/26/01: No need to say why you left
03/14/01: What not to say when applying for a job
03/05/01: Be smart on the job objective
02/21/01: Corporate warriors
02/14/01: Make sure resume reflects what you actually mean
01/24/01: Don't criticize former boss on resume
01/22/01: Resume bloopers

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