ShareThisThere's little question about what type of information should appear in the "Work Experience" and "Education" sections of your resume. What to highlight in other areas, however, is less clear-cut.Some job seekers include optional "Miscellaneous" or "Other" sections to reference information that doesn't fit elsewhere. These sections should not be catchalls for random facts and biographical tidbits. The rule of thumb is to cite only information that's pertinent to your career. Examples include professional awards you've received, industry association memberships and community-service work that showcases your transferable skills."MISCELLANEOUS: Rabid baseball fan."Is there a vaccine for that?"ADDITIONAL SKILLS: I can make bubble-gum popping noises without bubble gum."That gives us something to chew on."OTHER: Ask me about my job at the diaper factory!"Thanks, but we'll pass."OTHER: Strong ability to work as a group."That's impressive!"OTHER: The show "Mad Men" is back on TV."Good to know.If you include a "Hobbies" section, carefully vet it, too. Prospective employers aren't typically interested in your pastimes -- unless there's a clear connection between those leisure pursuits and your career. If you work in a field that requires a competitive nature, for instance, you might mention that you run marathons to demonstrate your drive, commitment and desire to meet tough challenges.These examples were less relevant and effective:"HOBBIES: Raising our family's baby animals."Any other pet projects?"HOBBIES: There aren't many hobbies I haven't tried and demonstrated with breathtaking mediocrity."He's a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.(For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.)(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies and Job Hunting For Dummies," 2nd Edition. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition.)????????2(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
Be selective in highlighting interests, pastimes on resume
Submitted by SHNS on Tue, 09/16/2008 - 12:06
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
