Re: Resume Length

[Kathleen Frost <kfrost -at- BTSQUARED -dot- COM>]

Just an added note on resumes...

 If you use agencies frequently, you might want to add two extra pages to
your resume for their use.  I know this may sound excessive but Iif you
have a long list of credentials, especially technical expertise of any
kind, the suggestions below consolidate that information and make it easy
for someone to asess your match for a position.  I have been using this
format for five years with great success (while contracting, I have only
been out of work 5 days in five years).

One is a one-page, very brief outline of your main experience.  If you
worked for any big name companies, you might want to include that here.
This is the quick, first impression type stuff that you would include on a
cover letter to get someone's attention; the "foot-in-the-door" glitz that
makes someone want to go on and read the details in the longer resume.

The second page, usually placed after your resume, is a list or table
showing your major skills and the length of time you worked on that system
or software.  Many consulting firms dig the information out of your resume
and rewrite it, or call and grill you to get it, because they either need
it for their own records or for their prospective clients.  It can be just
something simple, like this example:
Technical Writing       x years
Training Materials      x years
Windows   x years
Word for Windows    x years
Reading C++ Code        x Years
etc.

Be sure to update these two pages as you update the main body of your
resume.  Some agencies use only these overview-type pages to send to
prospective clients as a teaser, so take care with them.

And, most important, to any writer, whether you're looking actively for a
postiion or not, if you're full time or contract, remember the golden rule
of every employed person, Every professional person should have an updated
resume ready at all times.
(Preferably, not on your PC at work.  Remember, if you get laid off
suddenly, you may not get access to your personal files at work.  Keep a
copy on diskette at home and update regularly with classes you attend, new
skills, etc.)

Good luck

Kathy Frost
KFrost -at- BTSquared -dot- com -dot- 

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