From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gayle
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] HIRING HELP: What do you want to see/not see on a resume?

In order to help those who are looking to get a job, I thought I might query those of you on list who hire a series of questions.  I will ask each in a separate note, and I will consolidate your responses and post them to the MuseJobs folks to help them out.  Here is the first question:

What is the first thing you want to see on a resume? (i.e., education, job history, summary, what they can bring to your organization, etc.)

Job history, with at least 2 significant accomplishments noted

Does the resume have to follow a standard, cookie-cutter format, or is there room for creativity in design so as to appeal to your eye?

Straightforward, unless they are applying for a position that requires graphic design skills

What things don't you need to see? (i.e., hobbies and interests).

Anything strictly personal.  No marital status, hobbies, interests, # of kids, where they were born, etc.   I just want to know if they can do the job.

If you received the perfect resume, what would it look like?

At least a couple years’ experience doing exactly what the job entails, plus enough other types of experience so I can tell how they would add value to the organization

What's more important to you, the candidate's education, or the candidate's work history?

Work history, for sure.  Education, if it’s recent, can substitute for job history but if a degree is more than like 5 years old and the job history is not in the general field of the education, the knowledge is not fresh and not immediately useful without a costly retraining period.

Thank you to any who choose to respond.