Resume Quotes Why They Dont Work the Way You Want Them To

Resume Quotes Why They Dont Work the Way You Want Them To Last week, a reader found himself quoted without his permission on a former colleague’s resume. He sent me this email about resume quotes:Donna,I have seen resumes in varying formats over the years, but have you ever seen one with quotes about the person embedded in the middle of each place they worked?It took me by surprise to see comments I shared in a letter of introduction embedded in this person’s resume without my permission. I thought it was like using me as a reference without my permission.What do you think?JohnThe Problems with Resume QuotesI have received many resumes that feature quotes, but I don’t remember ever interviewing a person who sent me that type of resume.Here’s why:1. Quotes Share Opinions, Not FactsThe quotes I’ve seen share opinions, not facts, about the applicant.You get one or two resume pages to share compelling facts about where you’ve worked, what your responsibilities have been, and what you’ve accomplished.That’s often a tight fit. Don ’t waste resume real estate with opinions (weaker) when you can share facts (stronger).2. Using Quotes on Your Resume Sends a Message That You Lack Self-ConfidenceYour resume is the place for you to toot your own horn. When you enlist the help of others, you indicateyou can’t do this for yourself.Dont diminish yourself by sending that message.3. Resume Quotes Lack CredibilityQuotes on resumes lack credibility. They would be so easy to make up that featuring them switches on the reader’s bull**** meter.Dont activate that meter. Once its on, it stays on.4. You Misuse Quotation MarksMisusing quotation marks gives you an attention to detail strike against your resume. Thats a whole other blog post. You can see it here.5. You Annoy PeopleUsing quotes without permission can annoy the person who said nice things about you (see John’s email above).Where Should You Use Validation from Others?1. LinkedIn RecommendationsAsk for LinkedIn recommendations.They’re public statements. Thus , readers feel confident that they’re more truthful than not.2. ReferencesAsk people to serve as references. Potential employers can talk with them, ask questions, listen to what your referees say and how they say it, and decide what to believe.3. Share Your Performance EvaluationsGive prospective employers copies of your performance evaluations. Written reviewsshow how your boss(es) evaluates your performance â€" positively and negatively.A balanced picture is always more credible than one thats 100% positive or negative.ConclusionUse your resume real estate wisely by keeping it factual.Couple it with accepted, credible (off resume) sources of third-party validation. This will best help employers understand why they should hire you.Image: Fotolia/jura Updated February 2018 2015 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has writte n for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Resumes â€" Strategies (4 Posts)