Show, don’t tell
In reviewing hundreds of resumes a week, I have developed a couple of pet peeves. People who know me know my distaste for an ‘interests’ category on a resume that brags of hobbies that include reading, travel, and fine dining. (As an aside, I too love reading, travel, and fine dining. Dining of the not-fine variety, as well). In a nutshell, I don’t think that anyone should take up valuable space in a resume in a way that doesn’t really define and distinguish who you are. Reading, while a noble past-time, just doesn’t set you apart.
My new pet peeve is these qualitative narrative resumes. Somebody is spreading the word that a resume that contains a lot of adjectives is the way to go. Often, it contains a sentence at the top that might read “Results-oriented attorney with 15 years of experience in sophisticated practice.” I respectfully disagree that these descriptors add value. A resume might tell us that you are hardworking, that you are detail oriented, that you are bright. This isn’t really a resume, though, it’s just fluff (even when its true). Describe what you do–what you have done. This is what will define your ability to take on a new role. Law firms want to see the substance of the work you’ve performed–they do not, in my experience, respond to descriptions of the ‘intangibles’ that you bring to the table. At least not when set out in a resume format.
Instead of a line that tells us that you are someone who ‘enjoys responsibility’, why not attach a deal sheet that describes your tasks as the lead associate on a transaction? I think you’ll see a better response. If you MUST tell us that you are experienced, or conscientious, at least make sure that there is substance in the resume that supports that. I can’t tell you how many cover letters I’ve read extolling the virtues of the author’s ‘attention to detail’ that had one or more typos.
Sometimes *those* resumes really make the rounds, but not in a good way.
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- Monday’s Random Resume Tip
- Form Over Function
- Don’t Show Me the Money?
- You know I love you, right?
- Leaving Employers off your resume
- A Resume Must Tell the Whole Story
