Why I Hate Microsoft Resume Templates!

I have no idea who created the resume templates that come with Microsoft Word, but I know two things for sure.

1. The person who created them had never been involved in hiring anyone, and
2. They were designed a long time ago

I always tell people that including an 'objective' on your resume is outdated and unhelpful. Employers don't want to know your career goals - not at this stage anyway. At the resume screening stage, they want to know if you are qualified for the position and whether you seem like the kind of person who will add value.

But there's no wonder that so many people start their resume with an objective when the resume templates provided by MS Word (the word processing program most people use) include a section entitled "objective."

It's there, so you have to fill it in right?

No!

Delete it altogether and replace it with a profile that shows how you will add value.

Better yet, shut down the template and start from scratch. An MS resume template will make you look like everyone else. The people reading your resume see a LOT of resumes. They've seen this design before. Thousands of times. So the message you're sending instantly is "there's absolutely nothing special about me."

And when you add the objective statement, you're actually saying  "there's absolutely nothing special about me but here's what I would like to do with my life."

Is that really what you want to say when you apply for a job?

So please scrap the Microsoft Word resume template and write a resume that focuses on showing employers your unique value proposition - how you will make their lives easier or their companies more successful.

If you'd like help, don't forget to check out my free resume writing site.

Cross-posted at The Blue Sky Resumes Blog

Comments

[Recruiting Animal]

Louise, Louise. You are so darn right. But try to convince the know it all resume writers. Any pre-formatted resumes, especially the ones with the ridiculous frames are pure and utter garbage.

[Jon Speer]

Your comments are 100% on the money. But, unfortunately, the advice being spread is quite the opposite. I've had a few college students forward their resumes for my feedback:

-Objective statements on every one
-"References available upon request" listed on every one
-Same font, style, etc. as MS template

One section I like to see on resumes is some sort of "executive summary" and/or key words.

[River]

lol This post made me chuckle. As a human resources profession, I can not tell you how many terrible resumes I have seen that have used those templates.

[resume templates]

You will need to construct a resume at some point in your life,

whether applying for an internship or a full-time job. A

well-designed resume will help you:

* Initiate contact with a potential employer.

* Communicate your relevant qualifications and strengths.

* Provide information to personal and professional contacts who will write letters of recommendation or make phone calls on your behalf.

* Demonstrate your ability to write well, pay attention to
detail, and present information in an organized and concise manner.

Thanks

resume templates

http://www.internzoo.com/Article/internship-advice/resume.aspx