[SATLUG] While we're on the topic of jobs...

[Bob Tracy]

satlugacct at jchampion.com wrote:
> so basically, it is ethical to manipulate job titles? i have tried to  
> do things aboveboard but realize that sometimes you have to be  
> "creative" in order to get things done.

Here are a few resume-writing principles I've successfully learned and
applied over the past 2+ decades of being out in the working world:

(1) Resume length: pay the most attention to a one-page version of your
    working life.  If you think you can't say what needs saying in a
    single page, try again.  Most resume "scanners" won't get beyond
    the first page, so spend your time and effort where it matters most.

(2) Outright lies are verboten, but you are NOT responsible for the
    incorrect conclusions a resume reader might draw from what you write.
    Your first objective is to get past the gatekeeper using any and all
    ethical means at your disposal.  The interview is your chance (and
    obligation) to correct any misunderstandings about what is in your
    resume, assuming you are made aware of any.

(3) Spelling matters!  Lack of attention to what you may consider a
    minor detail reflects poorly on you.  You are implying to the reader
    that you are potentially sloppy in your work habits as well.

(4) In recent years, choice of font and size have become more of an
    issue.  The overall principle is attention to presentation details.
    Resume books used to worry about things like pica vs. elite, the
    rag content and color of cotton bond paper, and so forth.  Even for
    an electronic resume, format matters.  Consider whether your resume
    might still be readable after being passed through a fax machine
    and maybe as a fifth-generation copy (no kidding!).

-- 
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Bob Tracy                   WTO + WIPO = DMCA? http://www.anti-dmca.org
rct at frus.com
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