Do more than meet minimum requirements
Dear Sam: I am trying to write my resume and am receiving conflicting advice on what to include. I’ve read through job postings and the requirements for positions and am trying to make sure I include all of the requirements that are pertinent to my background. I wondered, though, when a posting calls for a college degree — which I do not have — should I list my high school diploma? Also, I do not possess all of the technical skills required for some of the roles, but I am sure I can learn them quickly. What do I list in those instances? — Joe
Dear Joe: When reading through a job posting, be sure to scan the requirements, but you should pay the most attention to the actual description of the role. That section of the posting will show you the “language” you need to speak on your resume.
Requirements are just that — requirements. It is expected that a qualified candidate will possess those basic requirements. This means that you and your qualified competitors will be competing based on the uniqueness of your experience. Requirements are what I call “check the box” qualifications — you either have them or you do not.
Instead of relying on basic requirements, your candidacy should be built on the uniqueness of your experiences, presenting those experiences in language that closely mimics the job posting of interest (or the theme of positions you are applying for).
Here’s some additional food for thought: You mentioned technical skills. Sometimes, including the skills you possess actually emphasizes the skills you do not possess. If your technical skills are lackluster, omit them entirely. This way, you will at least leave the question open as to whether or not you possess those skills.
Concerning your education: Mentioning your high school diploma does not say, “I graduated from high school.” It actually says, “I did not attend college.” Be strategic in your inclusion of and selective omission of certain requirements to ensure that you are not disqualifying your candidacy.