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Resume: One Page or More?

  • 1.  Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-23-2015 07:41 PM

    Hello,

    A few colleagues and I have been meeting bi-weekly to discuss different topics concerning professionalism, so that when we graduate we feel ready for the work world. Lately we have been focusing on resumes and there are disagreements on what the rule of thumb is concerning length. Is a one page or multiple page resume the best option for museum jobs? Thanks for your help and advice.

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    Colleen McCartney
    Graduate Assistant
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  • 2.  RE:Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 06:28 AM
    I'm not sure where and when the one page resume myth started but such an abbreviated summary of education, work experience, and qualifications has no business in the professional museum world. A job applicant has only one opportunity to make a good first impression. Tailor the resume to the job applied for and include all relevant experience, interests, etc., then include a well-crafted (and spell-checked!) cover letter pointing out just why you are the perfect person for the position.

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    Andrew Masich, PhD
    President & CEO
    Senator John Heinz History Center
    Pittsburgh PA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 07:56 AM
    I could not agree more that your resume should be as long as it needs to be and not limited to one page. That said, concision and layout are of paramount importance. The more readable and relevant your layout--headings, point size, hierarchy, etc.--the more likely to be read and the better the impression.

    A few favorite gripes. Always be sure that your NAME is prominent--I can't tell you how many resumes I have received over the years in which you could hardly find the applicant's name. And be sure to place your name prominently (upper right is best) on the second and subsequent pages. And for most positions in the real world, work experience trumps education, so don't put education first--put it after relevant experience (paid and unpaid)! 

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    Avi Decter
    Managing Partner, History Now
    Philadelphia, PA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 08:16 AM
    Colleen,

    I receive my share of solicited and unsolicited resumes from recent graduates, but can only write to my preferences. For me, it's not a question of length...it's a question of content. Is it easy to navigate and gather important details or does it provide too much detail making it needlessly bulky? My reply is mostly aimed at the resumes of emerging professionals.

    For example, don't show a long list of classes that may or may not be relevant to the particular reader's needs. Rather, get to know the position at the institution or firm you're sending it to and make sure it highlights what within your education prepared you for that work. Believe me, I know immediately when a resume is one for mass distribution of it was focused specifically for the position in question.

    Recent graduates often are showing a list of internships as their professional experiences. That's great, but make sure that it briefly describes how the applicant contributed.

    It's rather unusual for a recent graduate to need to produce a resume that feels like a CV. If you've done great work and it doesn't fit on that magic one page, the share it! Spill over to that second page without hesitation, but don't do so unless it's 1.) relevant to the job, 2.) easy to navigate, 3.) provides just enough specificity to inform the reader a bit of what's "under the hood" of the applicant.

    If you do have it extend to more than one page then make sure that the resume design uses the separate sheets intentionally and not just like a running document (that's the designer in me writing).

    If the position is highly technical, then a list of software and specific tools may be useful, but in truth, I generally find lists of Word, Excel, etc. to be useless and a waste of space. If the person has really specific experience, perhaps working in a collections department and transformed a paper-based records system into a Past Perfect system, then put that in the experience work. Software is tool. Show what you've done with it since that's what matters.

    In the education section, of course, place, dates, etc are needed. It's also a great place to briefly show what in their education connects to the needs of the institution. Just a few points can be powerful.

    But in the end, remember that the reader is basically looking for one thing - Does the applicant's past experience give them a solid foundation to do the work I need?

    I hope some of this may be helpful to you and your colleagues.

    Best of luck,
    Seth

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    Seth Frankel, Principal
    Studio Tectonic
    Exhibition & Interpretive Design / Planning
    www.studiotectonic.com
    Boulder CO
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 10:21 AM
    Colleen,

    I agree with the other responses, it is not about length. Sometimes I do get very lengthy resumes and the real content is lost. Tailor your experiences and responsibilities listed based on the information from the job ad. Every hiring manager is different, but you can get a sense of the culture of the organization from the advertisement. Is it long and detailed? Then you're probably ok to have more detail in your resume? Is it short and to the point? Then tailor your resume to really highlight the most important information.

    I also can not say enough about a well-written, concise cover letter. It should briefly tell someone how your experience and this job belong together and highlight some specific accomplishments that are difficult to cover in a resume. I would advocate for the cover letter being only a page and being highly tailored to the job ad/announcement.

    I also echo the response about name being prominent. A simple layout that is easy to read is better than being too clever. When I have a job opening I get lots of resumes these days. It has to be easy to find the information that shows you are qualified and hard working.

    Great question and best of luck,

    Megan

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    Megan Wood
    AVP for Education and Visitor Experience
    Historic Ford Estates

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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 10:24 AM

    Colleen and colleagues,

    I have recently reviewed over two-hundred applications for three management positions as a hiring officer and review team leader   Many of the applications are from recent or soon to be graduates . I can confirm the wisdom of the prior responses and add a few other notes.
    • Always include a cover letter, addressed to the supervisor of the position being hired, if possible.  This little research is worth the potential for a personal connection. 
    • Be yourself, and share yourself in the cover letter.  We are hiring people to work with.  The cover letter is more than a transmittal document, it is an example of your narrative style, storytelling and professional communication abilities. 
    • The cover letter is particularly important with limited professional experience.  Be yourself and speak to how the position meets your professional goals and interests and the passions or qualities you will bring to the position.  Try to edit out phrases like "I am the perfect fit for your organization" and phrases copied from the position description.  Have someone who has hiring experience read it before you send it.
    • Visit the location, if possible, before writing your letter.   At a minimum, visit the website and give it a good reading where it applies to your position.  Read the annual report or strategic plan, if posted.   You can then consider a relevant comment that also shows your interest in the organization. 
    • Review your CV to make sure your stated career objective (if you use this format) relates directly to the organization and position you are applying for.   Many are skilled, fewer match the organization.  You might expand or refocus the content of your CV based on the position.
    • Do include in your CV the various technical programs and skills you have command of.
    • If you have a website or blog or project on-line that you want to point a reviewer to, do so.
    • Address any specific requirement, or desired skills listed with the position description.  If it indicates that a specific membership data base administration experience is desired, and you don't have that software experience, at least address in the letter why this is not a problem for you.
    • Keep the CV and letter forthright, concise and use standard professional layouts with clear contact information. 
    Kind regards,

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    Robert Gutowski
    Director of Public Programs
    Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia PA
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 10:24 AM
    I second just about everything that has been written. As someone who has been on both sides of the hiring table, a one-page resume/CV is really only appropriate for a new graduate applying for entry level (and sometimes not even then).

    On my resume/CV, I list experience, education, relevant skills (including foreign languages), awards, conferences, selected publications, and professional memberships (plus references and contact info, of course). Currently it is 5 pages. Your mileage may vary, but the idea is to convey what you bring to the table for the job you're applying.

    Keep in mind also, that if you apply for a government job (which is true of many museums), they will have their own formats and application forms that may ask for a lot of information. Having a longer resume will help you plug in whatever they need.

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    Christopher Kolakowski
    Director
    MacArthur Memorial
    Norfolk VA
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-24-2015 02:32 PM
    Colleen,

    As an intern program manager with previous time in HR, I've heard these discussions for years. Most colleagues with whom I've discussed this agree that it may be easy for new entrants to the workforce to submit a one-page resume, persons who've had several jobs may not be able to contain their full work history in a single page. Honest recruiters usually admit that they're more concerned with getting a full picture of the applicant. So the tips I usually hear and pass along are to be relevant, concise but accurate, and interesting in describing your experiences - and try to contain the resume to two pages.
     
    I hope this helps in some way. Good luck.
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    Herbert Jones
    Volunteer & Intern Programs Manager
    Museum of Fine Arts
    Boston MA
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-25-2015 07:56 AM
    If the length is necessary to share important information, i have no problem with it... But please yes, avoid the filler. I dont know where the 'list every class you took' started (says the woman who did this on her first resume) but unless its a specific skill related course (i took an EMT course which would be very helpful for your remote field projects)... I dont need to see it. I think the main thing is dont assume youre going to successfully 'put someng over' on the reader with a cleverly crafted CV... You wont. So if there is a two year unexplained gap in your work history, explain it in your cover letter in the best possible light... Dont think we wont notice. We do. If you change jobs every 6 months, thats a red flag to us too. Explain it. Say one of the resons this job is so appealing is its a long term opportunity rather than the short term internships or entry level positions you've only had access to in the past. if the job is in a science museum and your experience is mostky art... Call out that concern in the cover letter. "While i have mostly been employed with history focused museums, each of these institutions had strong folk art collections which orovided me with significant experience with using VTS" etc. etc. You get the picture... Most places wont have the money to fly in candidates for entry level positions... So if you will be in the area, say it in your cover letter. This can be a help if we are interested but can't bring you in. Also, and this may just be me... But I like a basic, clean, respectful style. I've had a few that would probably be perfect for a position in sales, marketing, or other area where a more aggressive style equals success... But were so self complimentary i wasnt confident this person was ready for a collaborative, team environment. Lastly, i dont need an objective line. I know right now your objective is to get this job. Your motivation for this particular job can be discussed in the cover letter. Thats just me... But Lord in Heaven do NOT send me a resume with an objective that has nothing to do with the job ...or mentiins anither institution..lbecause you are using a generic resume. That will be noticed and not be in your favor. My best advice is to ask to see a number of resumes from folks you admire and find a style in line with theirs and your oersonal style and then get an HR friend to be brutally honest! Good Luck!! PS... No need to tell me you are familiar with Microsoft Word and Office under special technology skills. Thats more if you've used specialized software unique to a position, SPSS, Blackbaud products, etc. Good luck! ------------------------------------------- Leah Melber PhD Senior Director, Hurvis Center Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens Chicago IL -------------------------------------------
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  • 10.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-25-2015 07:58 AM
    And forgive my typos... IPad... Do not let that be a model for your resume and cover letter... :-) ------------------------------------------- Leah Melber PhD Senior Director, Hurvis Center Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens Chicago IL -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-25-2015 09:08 AM
    I would like to agree that the length of the resume is not as important as the content. 

    That being said, PLEASE PLEASE DON'T WRITE cover letters that are more than one page single spaced!  We occassionally hire graduate level curatorial assistance and I've gotten several cover lettters that went on and on.  The most annoying cover letter I ever recieved was 2 pages, single-spaced, and when I got to the end it stated "will be available May _____", the job we were hiring for needed to be filled six months prior to when this person would even be available as clearly stated in the job ad.  Its great to start sending resumes a couple of months before you graduate but six months was a little obsured and then to make the employer read through two pages to get to that information is not going to bode well for you.



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    Katherine Owens
    Curator of Collections
    Missouri State Museum
    Jefferson City MO
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Resume: One Page or More?

    Posted 02-25-2015 03:25 PM


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    Marilynne Eichinger
    Portland OR
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