Writing a resume can be a real pain. Which things should be included, excluded or (ah-hem) enhanced? Should your resume be tailored for each of the jobs you're applying to? Is it okay if your resume exceeds one page? Are cover letters really necessary?

I got my first management job and hired my first employee in 1998. I hired a receptionist at the Downtown Houston law firm where I worked. She was a young lady with a nurturing quality about her and an attention to detail that I'd never seen. But, I might never have met her based solely on her resume. It was sparse, took up barely half a page and was hardly memorable. As I recall, the recruiter had to really sell me on this candidate. In the end, I agreed to the interview but made a mental note...this was NOT what a resume should look like. Since then, I've seen tons of resumes. And, like most HR professionals and hiring managers, I breeze through them devoting no more than about a minute, if that. So what's the secret? How can you set your resume apart from the others? Well, there are things you should and should not do when composing a resume.  Keep in mind, every manager is different and their resume preferences will vary. Some appreciate the formality of a traditional resume while others are open to more modern variations. Truth is, there is no exact right way to write a resume...but there are some Do's and Don'ts that should be taken into account -

Should A Resume Include An Objective Statement?

NO - Your resume does not need an objective statement. Most objective statements are generally meaningless words that take up valuable space on the page. How many times can a hiring manager read "Objective: To obtain a position in the financial services industry that utilizes my skill and education while providing an opportunity for professional growth" before he/she becomes annoyed? It is better to express your objectives in your cover letter.

Should Your Resume Ever Exceed One Page?

YES, but only if necessary - While your resume should be succinct, it should also be thorough and accurate. If it takes more than one page to describe your ten or fifteen year employment history, that's okay. A hiring manager would much rather read a well formatted two page resume than one that is crammed tight and over crowded. That is the quickest way to have your resume dismissed and tossed in the "not interested" pile.

Should Your Name, Address, Phone Number and Email Address Always Be The First Thing Listed On A Resume?

YES - Employers need to know who you are and how to reach you. Putting it at the top of the page makes it easy to locate.

Does Your Email Address Matter?

YES - Email addresses like This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. aren't exactly business appropriate. You don't want someone to judge and dismiss you based on (what you think is) a humorous email address. Email addresses like these are fine for Facebook or Twitter. But, when searching for a job it is ideal to use an email address like This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Create a new email address if necessary.

Should Your Resume Include A Professional Summary?

YES - A brief, bulleted summary of your qualifications should be listed toward the top of the page. This allows the employer to quickly see how you qualify for the role. This section should be adjusted to highlight those things you share with the employer's position description.

Should You Explain, In Great Detail, Exactly What You Did For Each Position You've Held?

NO - The purpose of a resume is to sell the strongest aspects of your employment history. There is no need to recount every single duty you performed. Remember, you're trying to sell yourself to your new potential employer. Tedious detail about your role will take up space and bore your potential employer. While thoroughness is important there is such a thing as overkill.

Do You Need A Cover Letter?

YES - Cover letters provide an opportunity to show that you know how to express yourself. Further, they are the perfect place to explain gaps in employment, what makes you a good candidate for the position and/or relevant long term career goals.

Should Your Resume Include Extra Curricular Activities, Interests & Hobbies?

NO - While you should be proud of your accomplishments, this is no place to discuss your 4H club ribbon, that you aspire to be a professional beekeeper or that you enjoy scrapbooking in your spare time. Unless your hobbies directly correlate to the open position, leave them off! And, if you feel it is appropriate to mention a particularly relevant hobby, they would be better served as part of your cover letter.

Should You Note The Month & Year For Each Position You've Held?

YES - As a potential employer I want to know if there are any gaps in employment. So, if your employment ended in January 2008 and you took another job November 2008, it should be noted. There is no shame in being unemployed, especially if you were working hard to find a job or you took time off after giving birth to a child. Gaps in employment can be easily explained; that's what cover letters are for. Oh, and here's a tip. If you are unemployed and find difficulty getting work, a good way to keep employment gaps small is to volunteer. Though you may not be paid, it is a great way to gain new experience (which can be listed on your resume)!

Do you have thoughts or questions?  Leave a comment or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We look forward to hearing from you!