Less is More

By keeping up to date with the latest career trends, going to industry seminars, HR symposiums and job fairs, I've seen how resumes have evolved over the years. There have been many changes and nuances over the years. Good resumes still have all the elements necessary to get you an interview; experience, education, highlights of qualifications, professional credentials, accomplishments, etc.).

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of putting too much information on their resumes, almost treating the resume as a dumping ground for information. This is a mistake. Your resume is simply an appetizer - a vehicle to get you the only thing that matters - a phone call or an interview. Having too much information is problematic. For one, no one wants to read long and wordy resumes. Employers get tons of resumes for almost all positions, and they don't have time to read too much information. Good resumes need to focused and concise, and put forth all key information, and be able to be viewed and judged within about 20 seconds. Long and wordy resumes intimidate the reader, and are a turn-off. A good resume makes the potential employer want to contact you to obtain additional information. Having everything on your resume allows people to make a quick judgement on your candidacy.

The best thing any resume can do is bring questions to the potential employer, so that they have to contact you to see what you are really all about. If you get a call, then you've already won the battle. In other words, your resume only needs to have enough information to obtain a call or interview. Lesson learned; your resume is an appetizer and not a complete meal. A good, focused, and concise resume will make the reader want more, and will likely ensure a contact from the employer. Less is more.