Writing Better Resumes or...

Bang! Bang! 20 Bullets, I'm Dead You're Dead!

This is long over due because the whole "Bullet Point Thing" has been stuck in my craw for some time now. Everyday I get dozens of resumes with way too many bullet points listed under each and every previous job. Dozens and dozens of bullet points informing me on everything from filling in for the manager when he/she is out sick to attending weekly staff meetings.

OK, Listen up! Hopefully this is the last time we need to cover this. Two Rules...

Rule #1 - Less is more

• bullet - a heavy mark, sometimes in the shape of a bullet (but more often a boldface dot), that is used to indicate an item of special interest or some special features on a page of copy. Barrons

So it would seem you should use bullets to highlight areas of special interest or things you want the reader to focus on. You knew this already because you took a resume writing class or bought that book that told you bullets are much better than writing long boring paragraphs no one will ever read. Right? What they forgot to tell you is when you use 20 in a row, they loose their effectiveness!

Rule #2 - Don't be a Fancy Pants

Unless you're trying to get a job at a flower shop, monogram store or graphic studio save the fancy script and curly cue bullets. It's distracting and sometimes even annoying. Circles, squares, etc. are preferred on business communications and should be on resumes.

I can't guarantee following these two rules will get you the job, but I will guarantee you will have a more professional looking resume that will get more consideration.

Comments

[thebizofknowledge]

I've helped a lot of people with writing effective resumes, and I totally agree with the points you make here. I have a special pet peeve about the overuse of bullets, which, frankly, are just distracting when they're all over a resume!