What’s acceptable for my resume?

What is the expected norm when it comes to resumes?; What is the expected length?; What information should it include?; I was told "Don’t include school"; I was always told "Do include school"; how far back should I go?.......etc etc etc.........These are questions we are commonly asked.

Well, the short answer is; there are no hard and fast rules. Yes, there are guidelines and some definite no-no’s, but even then, I have been known to go against the grain many times, because that was right for the client.

I am amazed by the number of people who claim to have all the answers. If anyone glances at your resume and tries to tell you what is right for you, without knowing you, then they are wrong! Why? Because everyone is an individual, who has travelled on their own journey with their own story to tell.

Imagine if every single business had the same name, the same logo, signs, colours and products. The fact that they are all unique is what draws the attention. It depends on your target audience as to how you promote and brand your business on who you ultimately attract.

In the career development world, it is much the same approach. You should not conform to anyone telling you to have your resume structured a certain way. However, always be open to the advice and opinions of others. You can listen, but it doesn’t mean you have to take it. If their only reasoning is "Well, that’s the way it is done!" tread carefully.  You may need to consider whether the advice is worth it. If someone provides constructive criticism and can back up why they take that view, then it may be worth considering.

Bottom line is, if you don’t individually tailor your resume, make it unique and do what is right for you, then how can you expect anyone else to notice you?