Rules for all resumes
There’s no right and wrong way to write a resume; however, there are some rules that generally apply to all resumes.
Keep it short, no one wants to read your 5 page novel about yourself.
It should be uncluttered. Bullets and white space is your friend. People don’t want to get a headache reading your resume.
Other than your contact information, don’t go personal. No one needs to know your hobbies, your political leanings, religion, how many kids you have, or the name of your pet hamster.
Leave out the generalized cliches like “proven executive” or “thrives in challenging situation.” Everyone says this. Why would you want to be like everyone else? Isn’t the whole point to stand out? Read more here.
Don’t put your salary targets or your past earnings on there. In fact, in several states now it’s illegal for them to even ask you what you made at your last employers.
Don’t try and explain why you left a job. This is not the place and you don’t want to sound like a whiny kid that keeps getting picked on at the playground.
They don’t need your home address either. One, it’s not safe (yea, there’s scammers out there) and two, it shouldn’t matter where you live. You get to decide if the commute is acceptable, not them.
No one cares about your education unless you have at least an Associates degree. You don’t need to tell me your grammar school, middle school, and high school you attended. Remember, I’m writing for accountants specifically here, maybe it is important if you’re applying for other jobs.
Don’t list your career objective. They either don’t care or will use it against you because it’s not 110% in line with what they are looking for. You’re better off coming in hot and heavy with how you’re going to save them money by hiring you over someone else.
Last, but not least, remember to write your resume in the employer’s love language. Money! That’s right, show them the money.
