Stop Wasting Valuable Resume Space On Company Bios
Kent R.
Every once in a while, a resume comes across my desk that includes company logos or extensive descriptions of previous employers. Descriptions like this one from H&R Block are not are not uncommon:
H&R Block is one of the world's largest tax services providers, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals and having prepared more than 550 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. H&R Block prepares 1 in every 7 U.S. tax returns and has helped clients obtain more than $50B in tax refunds, credits and other government benefits in fiscal 2010.
While I understand the thinking behind including such details, I really advise against it. For one, you have limited space on your resume with which to sell yourself; including several lines of text about each employers means you have that much less space to share your accomplishments.
In the case of very well known companies, I would exclude corporate “bios” altogether. When there is some concern that readers will not be familiar with an organization, I suggest including a one line bio or – better yet – working the information into a bulleted achievement. Here is how that might read:
• Increased revenues 35% in 2010 by developing engaging social media and increasing awareness of the global tax provider’s services.
Remember, the resume is your personal marketing document. While it is important that readers are familiar with the organizations with which you have worked, it is far more important that they be focused on the value that you bring.