Resume “feature creep”

Ok – how many resumes have I reviewed, written, edited – not sure, but it feels like millions.  One thing I have to say over and over again is don’t let your resume end up with “feature creep”.

Feature creep is term for over doing it on product options.  I came across the term in a book I’m currently reading called Made To Stick, by Dan & Chip Heath.  They use a remote control as an example – sure, an engineer can make your remote do 12 billion things – but when is too many too much. When do we get away from ‘elegant design’ and into too ‘complicated’ for anyone to use.

It struck me that the same thing happens with one’s resume.  We want to add ‘everything’, all our features, including the kitchen sink to our resumes and we over do to the point of zero white space, eye exhaustion and complete boredom on the reviewers part.

The important thing for your resume in today’s marketplace is to get away from ‘generic’ -more is better- and focus on ‘targeting’.  Research, find a position you are interested in and target your resume specifically to that position so that everything on it speaks to how your experience and background match that particular job.  This will help you avoid ‘feature creep’ on your resume and will satisfy your reviewer.

And – don’t forget to get some opinions on your resume.  It is very easy for us to fall in love with our own resume.  Getting an outside opinion may be the best thing you do to help you create a winning resume.

You can also access our ‘free’ resume ebook.