First Person: Why Dumbing Down My Resume Was a Smart Move
Generally people are supposed to put their educational achievements and work place accomplishments on their resume. However, sometimes achievements and accomplishments can make a job seeker appear to be overqualified for a job. Sometimes streamlining a resume is required, and sometimes a dumbed down resume is actually a smart resume. It is also important to realize leaving things off your resume is not lying.
Removing Unrelated Work History
If I am trying to apply for a position which requires a shorter resume or is in a specific field I will remove unrelated work history. Sometimes my three page long resume needs to be shortened. This technique allows me to focus my resume for the position I am applying for and makes my resume less cluttered.
Removing Degrees
When one is working towards an advanced degree the idea of removing the degree from a resume is non-existent. After all the advanced degree is your ticket to your dream job and easy street. The real world does not always work like that. I was unemployed for 18 months; I needed a job. I had started working with a staffing agency. The agency told me to remove the MBA from my resume. The reason for this was because the degree was making me look overqualified for their assignments. The resume tweak worked as they were able to keep me with assignments until I found a permanent position. Sometimes a resume needs to be shortened. Removing unrelated positions from your resume is one way to streamline it. Sometimes degrees can make one look over qualified. Removing the degree from your resume could bring your resume down to the level of the position. On the job application you can list the other jobs. The degree can be added to your file after you get the job or on the job application.
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Published by Mike Spain
I am the skiing channel manager at Helium. I am a contributing writer for Rockstar Weekly. I am an entertainment columnist and writer for DC Metro Theater Arts, where I cover concerts and theater production... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentThis is well written, Mike. Voted it up.
Now that's an interesting take that makes a lot of sense. It's just so hard to know what to put in and what to leave off. But this is a good gauge.
Interesting information. I hope I never have to file a resume again. I'mm now retired.
interesting
Yes, I agree, this is a terrific idea Mike.
Interesting.
Congratulations and thans for the tips.