Opinions wanted regarding a resume - Update Post #20

[chicagodisneyfan]

I'd definitely include the almost-finished English degree college experience. SOME college is better than NO college . . . and since you went back and completed an associate's degree later, you are showing completion -- even if it wasn't the same degree that you began. Also, the English degree does apply to ANY job that you might get. Communication skills, the ability to word things clearly and concisely, a good grasp on research -- what's more important than those things in any job?

Be prepared to explain -- if asked in an interview -- why you didn't finish that first degree. There are plenty of good answers: I left to begin my family, I realized that my real career aspirations lay in a different direction.

Include the old job too. As someone else said, it shows length of employment and integrity.

I agree that you should stay with one page . . . but you can always adjust your margins, font, or other details to get these things onto one page.

Do you have high school on the resume? If so, drop that. Having attended college / graduated with an associate's degree, it's assumed that you have a high school diploma.

Are you listing references? If so, drop them and just use the phrase "References available on request". Have them ready, typed up and ready to hand over.

I disagree. I have been a VP in HR and I would never have looked at the resume of someone 12 credits shy of a BS/BA. Shows a lack of completion - never in the years following could the candidate take FOUR classes and finish the degree? I would immediately knock them out of contention.

 

[mackeysmom]

I disagree. I have been a VP in HR and I would never have looked at the resume of someone 12 credits shy of a BS/BA. Shows a lack of completion - never in the years following could the candidate take FOUR classes and finish the degree? I would immediately knock them out of contention.

Just like that - without even giving them the opportunity to plead their case - if they had one?

I'm not talking about a position which would require a BS/BA - I'm not claiming that an "almost degree" is as good as an actual degree - but I'm surprised at the "all or nothing" stance you take.

 

[Disney Doll]

Thge people I know in HR say the same thing...they get tons of resumes and they can't sift through every one thinking that "well, the resume isn't so hot but maybe they'd bve a great employee"...

They have "hot points" that they look at that will make your resume stay or go.

 

[quentina]

I still think one page is better

Also for an older worker-its better to use the type of resume that doesnt list dates-cant remember what it is called

Sorry-in my book if you didnt finish the degree-its not a plus to list it

I am a HR specialist for a large C-store group....here is my take. I WOULD include the college. Although you did quit, going for over 3 years earns alot of skills (research, study habits etc). Personally, that says something to me when I am interviewing. I would ask why you are 12 credits short (personal opinion....finish the last semester) and make a personal decision if it was a credible answer or not.

Very few resume's are one page anymore. I would say 2 out of every 100 I get. The other 98 are 2 pages.

Good luck!

 

[abdmom]

I have a similar incomplete degree on my resume. I was almost finished my courses, but not yet started my research on my doctorate when my dh died, leaving me alone with 3 small children. To those HR people out there, would you include the reason the degree was not completed on the resume?

 

[Judy from Boise]

I am a HR specialist for a large C-store group....here is my take. I WOULD include the college. Although you did quit, going for over 3 years earns alot of skills (research, study habits etc). Personally, that says something to me when I am interviewing. I would ask why you are 12 credits short (personal opinion....finish the last semester) and make a personal decision if it was a credible answer or not.

Very few resume's are one page anymore. I would say 2 out of every 100 I get. The other 98 are 2 pages.

Good luck!

2 pages, or one page printed on both sides?

 

[quentina]

2 pages, or one page printed on both sides?

2 pages.....very few front and back.

Many are menu like....name on front, open it and left and right have qualifications, back is blank. I will say, these are easy on the eye and appealing to look at (my personal favorite).

 

[quentina]

I have a similar incomplete degree on my resume. I was almost finished my courses, but not yet started my research on my doctorate when my dh died, leaving me alone with 3 small children. To those HR people out there, would you include the reason the degree was not completed on the resume?

No, that gets explained during an interview.

 

[abdmom]

Quote:Originally Posted by abdmom
I have a similar incomplete degree on my resume. I was almost finished my courses, but not yet started my research on my doctorate when my dh died, leaving me alone with 3 small children. To those HR people out there, would you include the reason the degree was not completed on the resume?
No, that gets explained during an interview.

That was my feeling as well. Thank you.

 

[mikehn]

Your resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for. Every manager is different. But if I dont see what I am looking for in the first 30 seconds of reading, I move on to the next resume.

 

[mackeysmom]

Very few resume's are one page anymore. I would say 2 out of every 100 I get. The other 98 are 2 pages.

Good luck!

I think my resume would have been completely butchered if I tried to put it all on one page. It's good to hear that I'm not alone with a two-page resume

Thanks,
Laura