Job seekers shouldn't be too forthcoming

By MAX MESSMER
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to your resume and cover letter. But that doesn't mean you need to provide a reason or motive for everything you've ever done or plan to do professionally. There is such a thing as being too forthcoming.

For example, the following candidate should have axed the unnecessary explanation for his charitable activities:

"COMMUNITY WORK: I volunteered at a nursing home because I was required to."

You volunteered a bit too much.

COVER LETTER: "I will be attending college this semester only for the extracurricular activities."

Spoken like a true scholar.

Also, there's a time and place to discuss money matters.

Don't jump the gun by including salary requirements in your job-application materials unless a prospective employer requests this information. If you ignore this advice, at least ask for more than the following applicant:

"DESIRED COMPENSATION: $0 per hour."

You drive a hard bargain.

Speaking of financial issues, the message this next candidate was attempting to convey was lost on prospective employers, who weren't clear if he was outlining past job duties or confessing to a crime:

"JOB DUTIES: Made bank deposits and kept the petty cash."

Don't forget to make sure the dates you include are accurate, too.

"EDUCATION: High School: 1886-1990."

Talk about lifelong learning.

COVER LETTER: "I offer 25 to 30 years of experience."

Which one is it?

And, finally, if you held a position for less than a month, consider leaving it off your resume; otherwise, it will raise questions and red flags.

"JOB HISTORY: Hostess. The duration of my employment was from May 23, 2006, to May 30, 2006."

(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of 'Managing Your Career For Dummies' and 'Job Hunting For Dummies.' For more Resumania, please visit www.resumania.com.)

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