Barbara Safani, author of Happy About My Resume, just posted her top 5 worst pieces of resume advice and they’re right on. In fact, I just had a conversation last week with a client debating listing his degrees with graduation dates. If you have nothing to hide, then don’t make it look like you’re hiding something!
I would add a sixth point to Barbara’s list of bad resume writing tips –
Use an Objective Statement. This is such a dated format. Today, you’ll get much better results by starting off your resume with a summary section that highlights the value you bring to an employer. Yesterday’s objective statement was focused on what you wanted, the position for which you were looking. Sorry to disappoint, but when recruiters are scanning your resume, that’s not their top concern. They have jobs to fill. A well-written summary will show a potential employer your top stregnths and how you would best fit into their organization. That’s what compels them to read further!