Resume Writing and History

I've been working on my resume recently and I've had some professionals helping me. Although they were trying to help me, sometimes they rewrite things and completely strip the statements of their meaning. Occasionally they actually misrepresent what I have done, completely. I mean 100%.

Now, none of that is being done intentionally (I hope). I know I'm making a genuine effort to be as honest as possible.

But, when I had to rewrite things that others had misrepresented about my past, I had to go back to previous resumes to word it correctly. And it dawned on me...

I'm just trying to keep track of one's person's history from the last couple of decades and that can be quite a challenge even though I was the one that lived through it.

Now, extrapolate that out to billions of people and tell me that history can be trusted at all...even if everyone was being totally honest.

Add in the fact that "history is written by the winners"...it's a mind-blower to me.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with resume writing?

a reply to: Profusion

Keep it short, one page if possible, touch on the highlights not everything. They will ask you for more if they consider your application over others.

.o2

I feel ya...

What's more annoying is that if I ever started a Resume again, I don't even know how to type it up.

This is due to the fact that I have been working at my current company for over 7 years. I can't even remember where I worked like 7 years+ ago. I sort of still remember the company names but I don't remember what period of time that I worked in those earlier companies lol...

a reply to: Profusion

Had to do a complete work history at one point. Had to use a lot of 'spare facts' to identify the correct dates throughout my career. Now I work on keeping it up to date in case I need it again.

History is much the same. Someone notices bits are missing and then goes and finds a bunch of other facts from other people to confirm what's going on. Of course, history is also much the same ... some historians just make the entire thing up to sound exciting.

Sell yourself. That's the no. 1 thing I can tell people after reading tons of resumes and cover letters. You, are awesome and the employer would be a moron not to hire you. You are totally awesome and better get snatched up, as this is THEIR opportunity, not yours.

Well, at least have that attitude when writing it.

Perception is everything. History shows us this is true. How we perceive past events becomes the "truth". Truth is subjective anyway...

Oh, and go on LinkedIn for ideas on how to spruce up your job titles. LinkedIn seems to be full of unemployed and desperate people looking to impress one another.

Example: "Advanced Molecular Sales Engineer & Transportation Specialist"

Uh, you mean that's what you call a fertilizer delivery driver these days?

originally posted by: MystikMushroom
Sell yourself. That's the no. 1 thing I can tell people after reading tons of resumes and cover letters. You, are awesome and the employer would be a moron not to hire you. You are totally awesome and better get snatched up, as this is THEIR opportunity, not yours.

Well, at least have that attitude when writing it.

Perception is everything. History shows us this is true. How we perceive past events becomes the "truth". Truth is subjective anyway...

Oh, and go on LinkedIn for ideas on how to spruce up your job titles. LinkedIn seems to be full of unemployed and desperate people looking to impress one another.

Example: "Advanced Molecular Sales Engineer & Transportation Specialist"

Uh, you mean that's what you call a fertilizer delivery driver these days?

Hahahahaha.... I can't even hold.. damn you got me spewing coffee from my nostrils...

Advanced Molecular Sales Engineer & Transportation Specialist AKA Fertilizer Delivery Driver.....

originally posted by: Profusion
I've been working on my resume recently and I've had some professionals helping me. Although they were trying to help me, sometimes they rewrite things and completely strip the statements of their meaning. Occasionally they actually misrepresent what I have done, completely. I mean 100%.

Now, none of that is being done intentionally (I hope). I know I'm making a genuine effort to be as honest as possible.

But, when I had to rewrite things that others had misrepresented about my past, I had to go back to previous resumes to word it correctly. And it dawned on me...

I'm just trying to keep track of one's person's history from the last couple of decades and that can be quite a challenge even though I was the one that lived through it.

Now, extrapolate that out to billions of people and tell me that history can be trusted at all...even if everyone was being totally honest.

Add in the fact that "history is written by the winners"...it's a mind-blower to me.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with resume writing?

Sounds like the pros are trying to make you vague so as not to offend any opportunities.

Just occurred to me that a resume written specifically for a specific employer would wok better. Presuming your knowledge about the employer is accurate.

The computer school advice was to let the interviewer draw the conclusions that he wants to. He might decide to talk to you from the resume but they hire from the interview.