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I am reading Rites of Passage recommended on your book list. This book does not recommend a one page resume. It says longer copy sells. It has an example of 4 page resume they suggest you follow.

In your recommendation of the book you say:

"He says you should do your resume like we do, and no one else recommends this. Buy this book. "

Where is the disconnect?

Thanks

TomW's picture
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I think it's called (in technical terms) a difference of opinion ;-)

pmoriarty's picture
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Rites of passage is geared more towards VP & C-level roles. If you are applying for one of those, using their method may help. If you are applying for a director or manager role, I would strongly recommend the one-pager.

ccleveland's picture

I think that some parts of the book are specific to C-level jobs for high-level organizations. I think the resume described in the book is an example.

That said, as a whole, the book details a huge amount about recruiting that seems to apply to most of us.

CC

corinag's picture

The one page resume doesn't work here in Romania. People assume you're inexperienced. Of course, it's a budding labor market. Generally, here they want to know what your company does, what the job responsibilities are (there's an inflation of titles and a serious disconnect between names and responsibilities - somebody can be a director without having ever contributed to a strategy, managed more than himself, or devised an implementation plan for anything), and only then your achievements. Plus, there's things such as hobbies and interests on the resume as well. It's strange, but you adapt. I now have a 3 page resume and recently been asked to add even more detail to it by a recruiter. I'm struggling with format right now :-)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it depends on the position, the context, and even the company you're applying to.

Based on my positive experience following Mark and Mike's advice, I'd say do a one pager. My guess is that in the US Business context, if you're good, people will want to see you, and if you're not,, no amount of fluff could persuade them. If you're good and longwinded... you may never get to show them how good you are.

adragnes's picture

Even if you need a long version of your CV, I still think you should have the one-page version as an executive summary.

From what I understand recruiters and hiring managers spends pretty much the same time with every application and if the CV is too long, they will just skim through it and might miss what is important.

--
Aleksander

frankdarmann's picture

I cannot reconcile the one page resume guidance in the MT podcast with the Platinum rule that is also guidance in the MT podcasts.

Should the resume length not be according to what the reader wants? 

Where I work a one page resume following the MT guidelines for even a front line manager position or an individual contributor would not get you an interview for any internally advertised opening or an externally advertised position. HR want the four page resume. I have asked them about a one pager and they said to them it would show a lack of serioussness for the position and is not credible. They expect a four or five page resume and that is is usually what I get when I am hiring. So if we follow the platinum rule, I would be better off submitting a four pager for an internally advertised position. I do not see what the concern is with a four page resume. They can skim it for key words in 30 to 60 seconds. I agree with the accomplishment bullets and following those guidelines. If HR want a four page resume that is what I am going to give them. 

I think the one page resume MT guidance could do with a bit of reconcilliation and tempering with the platinum rule - give them what they expect not what you think is the best way. 

 

 

 

 

uwavegeek's picture
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Having hired a dozen people over the last several years.  I can say I've likely screened over 1000 resumes.  I'm a hiring manager with three sub-managers and 6 individual contributors under me covering 3-4 disciplines.   If the resume hasn't hooked me in teh first 10 seconds, i likely move on.   Which means the first page is all that matters for the first screen.  I don't go searching for reasons to say 'yes'.   If a candidate catches my eye, i'll read further but won't likley go through more than the second page before making the decision to phone screen.  

Caveats... if the person is recommended by a professional colleague, i'll likley give more attention.  

In my own job searches, I've gotten compliments on my succinct one page resume