Don't Skimp on Details Of Relevant Experience

Mark D. Knauff is looking for a job in human resources. During the 16 years he has been the primary caregiver for his children, he has run small businesses. He is taking classes in human resources, but his résumé still seems stale.

Knauff should highlight his human resources experience, said Dana Law, an organizational psychologist who is president of Sankora Executive Solutions Inc., an Alabama firm with services that include coaching for career changers.

"Since you were the founder, owner and CEO of two businesses, this should not be a problem. If you performed the human resources role in these companies, you should emphasize your responsibilities, such as the number of employees hired and the types of training developed and delivered."

Knauff also prepared a self-assessment of his skills. Law pointed out that it includes experiences not highlighted in his résumé, such as handling recruitment, organizational structure, training and compensation. "If you provided more detail around what you did in these tasks, you would show that you have substantial experience in the area of HR and would be more likely to enter at a mid-level or higher HR position," she said.

Listings of jobs should be more results-oriented, rather than descriptive, she said; for example, "Exceeded sales goals of $XX for financial printing."

"You want to show the potential employer . . . that you can set and achieve goals in a timely manner." Don't forget human resources accomplishments.

And don't worry too much about the résumé exceeding one page. "Most résumés are submitted electronically via companies' Web sites, so the total page number usually won't matter unless it is excessive."

-- Maryann Haggerty