Blog Post: Thanks for Another Successful Seminar! A Few Good Questions...

Thanks again for those that attended the most recent free seminar from Career Development Services. As always, here were only a few of the many good questions that were ask:

Should I take some of my education off of my resume so I do not appear over-qualified? First, it's unfortunate that we are dealing with a time when this is even a legitimate question. That said, no. Generally (with rare exceptions) you never want to take degrees off of your resume. Instead, as you communicate with the recruiter or network with the hiring manager, convey to them that you are not applying for the job, but rather for the company. Be honest with them and state the obvious--that your credentials conceivably over-qualify you. However, let them know that you won't be going anywhere. You intent is to start where ever the company has an opening and, as the economy improves, promote up after demonstrating your solid performance and strong value. If you take education off of your resume, you can never put it back on with that employer--what a waste. Just simply, honestly address the employer's underlying concern. As employers, we get it. We just need to know what your plan is.

How should I list my involvement with Toastmasters? Be careful! You may not want to list your affiliation with groups like Toastmasters on your resume. Before we go on--thanks goodness for groups like Toastmasters and the services they provide! However, look at it from the employer's perspective. Being a member of Toastmasters implies that you may struggle with performing quality presentations. If that's a key component for the job that you're applying for, you've just revealed to the employer that you struggle with a key aspect of the job. It like someone applying for a job that requires the candidate to be bilingual, and also listing that they are currently taking Spanish 101. Why take Spanish classes if you are bilingual. Make sense? Another example would be listing your attendance at a time management seminar or workshop. Great material is presented at those seminars, but your attendance implies a weakness with time management (which may or may not be the case), and you won't want the appearance of a weakness advertised on your resume. So, by all means, continue using the outstanding services that these groups offer. Just think twice before putting it on your resume.

Thanks again for all of your support and feedback! As always, if you need help with your resume, cover letter, or you need interviewing prep, let us know!

Good luck in your search!